Joint Pain Doesn't Always Mean Joint Replacement

Joint pain can make everyday activities harder. Maybe the stairs have become a challenge, getting out of a chair takes more effort or reaching into a cabinet has become uncomfortable.

When that pain sticks around, it’s natural to wonder if joint replacement is the next step.

It may be, but surgery isn’t always the first answer.

Joint replacement is an effective treatment for people with advanced arthritis and significant joint damage. But before recommending surgery, an orthopedic specialist will look at what is causing the pain and how it is affecting your daily life.

“The first step is understanding what's causing your pain and developing a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, activity level, mobility and condition of your joint,” said David Shervin, MD, orthopedic surgeon.

That evaluation helps determine which treatment makes the most sense for you.

Move. Manage. Replace.

There isn't one treatment that works for everyone with joint pain. Depending on the condition of your joint, your symptoms and your goals, treatment may fall into one of three general categories.

Don't Just Push Through the Pain

You don't have to live with joint pain simply because you're not sure what's causing it.

If you're avoiding your daily walk because your hip hurts, taking the elevator instead of the stairs because of knee pain or having trouble reaching overhead because of shoulder discomfort, an orthopedic evaluation can help you understand what's happening and what options are available.

For one person, the answer may be physical therapy. For another, medication or an injection may provide relief. Someone else may ultimately benefit from joint replacement.

The right treatment starts with understanding your joint, your symptoms and what you want to be able to do.

Talk with your primary care provider about persistent joint pain or visit www.providers.hshs.org to find an orthopedic specialist.