Total Joint Replacement Should Be a Last Resort

by Kevin Smith Author

We all depend on our knee and hip joints to work properly in order to get through daily tasks. Whether you're walking, playing soccer with the kids, or gardening, you should be able to bend and move without pain. But injury, arthritis, and age are contributing factors to joint pain, and left untreated, the condition will only further deteriorate. If you decide you need to consult with a doctor about your pain, you should carefully choose a specialist who has stayed at the forefront of this rapidly improving field. Knowing the steps to take when assessing your pain and when to elect for surgery are essential when considering joint replacement doctors in Jacksonville, FL, and the nearby areas.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

If you find yourself unable to complete daily tasks, if over-the-counter medications not longer are effective, or if you're unable to sleep through the night due to pain, you likely have joint damage. Knee or hip damage can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Knee pain is most often caused by ligament trauma, cartilage tears, arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis. There are some non-invasive treatments that should be tried before you elect for surgery.

How to Treat Your Joint Pain

Even with all the improvements in these procedures over the last ten years, surgery should be a last resort, after all other options have been eliminated. Any surgery, regardless of its severity, has risk. You and your doctor should discuss treatment options, including physical therapy, massage, exercise, and diet before surgery is even discussed. If your doctor suggests surgery on your first visit, find another specialist to work with. Even though joint replacement surgery has become a standard and reliable procedure, it is still a surgical procedure. The doctor should offer a mandatory joint education class prior to surgery for you and your family, so you'll know exactly what to expect. Be certain the doctor is board certified and fellowship-trained, and is current on the most recent developments in the field.

Post-Operative Care

If surgery is the only option remaining, be certain your specialist has a team of highly trained professionals to help you get back to your daily life. Highly skilled nurses, physical therapists and medical specialists should be involved in every step of your recovery. These are all things to consider when contemplating joint replacement doctors in Jacksonville, FL, and the nearby areas.