When is it time to consider joint replacement surgery?

Joint pain does not always mean you need surgery. However, it may be time to speak with an orthopaedic surgeon when pain begins to affect your daily routine, independence or quality of life.

Arthritis is the most common reason for knee and hip replacements. However, arthritis often progresses gradually, so the changes may be easy to overlook. It may be time to talk with a specialist if: 

• Joint pain has caused you to give up activities you enjoy, such as walking, gardening, playing sports or spending time with friends. 
• You struggle with everyday tasks, including grocery shopping, climbing stairs or household chores, or have had to come up with workarounds to accomplish basic tasks. 
• You lose sleep or wake during the night because of pain.
• You’re in pain despite taking medications or receiving injections.

“When people begin changing their lifestyle or sacrificing activities they enjoy, it is worthwhile to have a conversation,” said Zachary Clarke, MD, a UT Health San Antonio orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacements.

An orthopaedic evaluation does not mean you are committing to surgery. A specialist can help identify the cause and severity of your pain and explain the options available. Nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications and joint injections may reduce pain and improve mobility, sometimes for an extended period. Your surgeon can also discuss how your symptoms, examination and imaging findings affect the decision.

“Seeking care does not require you to move forward with the most extreme option, which in many cases would be surgery,” Clarke said. “Conservative treatments can provide substantial symptom relief and improve function for a long time.”

When patients do not see improvements through nonsurgical treatment, it may be time to consider joint replacement. There is no definite timeframe for trying nonsurgical treatments before considering joint replacement. The timing depends on each patient’s symptoms, response to treatment and circumstances.

Joint replacement decisions are individualized. After examining X-rays to determine the extent of joint damage, you and your surgeon will discuss how your symptoms impact and limit your daily life, your response to nonsurgical care, and your overall health and personal goals to ensure that joint replacement is right for you.

“For some patients, the goal is returning to a favorite sport or hobby,” Clarke said. “For others, it may be as simple as walking down the hall without pain, sleeping more comfortably or completing daily tasks independently.”

If joint pain is limiting your daily life, talk with an orthopaedic specialist about your options. Together, you can weigh continued nonsurgical care against joint replacement, including the likely benefits, risks, limitations and recovery involved.

To request an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist, call 210-450-9300. Learn more about orthopaedic care at uthealthcare.org/ortho.