Our joint replacement and revision doctors at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine are recognized experts in providing evaluation and treatment for joint injuries and conditions.
When people contact a doctor because of their joint pain, it is usually because the methods they have used to manage that pain on their own are no longer working. Sometimes their doctor can find new ways to help them. However, if the joint damage is severe, that patient will be referred to a joint replacement doctor. Joint replacement doctors have the specialized skills to assess a joint and determine if either a partial or total joint replacement is needed. They educate patients on joint replacement by explaining not only the procedure but also the follow-up care and rehabilitation that is needed to help make the recovery as swift and successful as possible.
During any joint replacement surgery, the joint replacement doctor removes the damaged tissue and bone and then inserts a new artificial joint. Over the coming weeks and months, new bone will grow onto the prosthesis, and the patient is able to use that joint again. The most commonly performed joint replacement surgeries are hip replacement and knee replacement. Most patients experience very positive results and have reduced pain and greater movement when they work with a joint replacement doctor to have this surgery done.
Additionally, when a patient has a joint replacement surgery, they are informed that most artificial joints have a lifespan of about 15 – 20 years. This means at some point, they will likely need to have some or all of the prosthetic components replaced. Sometimes, there are also issues with artificial joints after they are replaced, and a second surgery must be performed. This process is called joint revision surgery, and joint revision doctors are the specialists who do this surgical work.
When a patient starts noticing problems with their artificial implant, for instance, the joint starts to feel loose, they should meet with a joint revision doctor for an evaluation. This can often happen before the typical life span of the artificial joint, especially if that person is active and has frequently used that specific joint.
When It's Time to See a Joint Replacement & Revision Doctor
Being aware of certain symptoms is important because if a joint issue can be diagnosed and treated early on, it will help to avoid further damage and pain in the future. Sharing this information with your doctor allows them to provide you with the best care. If any of the following symptoms sound familiar, you may have damaged one of your joints or the surrounding tissues:
- Difficulty getting up from a chair
- Experiencing grinding or bone-on-bone sensations
- Feeling unsteady when climbing stairs, typically in the knee
- Limping due to severe pain
- Other treatments you've used to reduce pain are no longer working
- Pain even when the joint is not in use
- Pain that has persisted for six months or more
- Pain that is impacting your ability to perform daily tasks
- Progressive stiffness
- Redness or warmth around the joint
These symptoms often correspond to a more serious medical condition, such as:
- Abnormality or deformity in a joint
- Artificial joint has dislocated
- Artificial joint has reached the end of its normal life span
- Arthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic injury
Our orthopedic doctors understand that joint pain can have a major effect on your lifestyle and keep you from performing routine, everyday activities. To schedule an appointment with one of our joint replacement and revision doctors, please call (740) 788-9220 or request an appointment online.
Our joint replacement and revision specialists also understand that some injuries occurs when least expected, which is why we are proud to offer our Orthopedic Urgent Care to treat patients who are suffering from acute orthopedic injuries and conditions. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is necessary.
Joint injuries and conditions can be treated with nonsurgical or surgical treatment options. Our doctors will suggest nonsurgical options first before suggesting surgery. However, if surgery is determined to be the best treatment option for you, our doctors can perform outpatient joint replacement surgery, which allows you to recover from the comfort of your own home.
Learn More About Outpatient Joint Replacements
Keeping You Active at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine
Finding a doctor who can expertly diagnose and treat your joint pain is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your care.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, Edward L. Westerheide, M.D., Brad L. Bernacki, M.D., Alex Tancevski, M.D., and Benjamin W. Burkett, M.D., are specialty-trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of orthopedic injuries and conditions. Our doctors always strive to find a conservative treatment option for you first, like physical therapy or injections, before recommending surgery. However, if surgery is the best option, our surgeons have extensive experience in performing surgical procedures, such as shoulder replacement, knee replacement, partial knee replacement, hip replacement, or reverse total shoulder replacement. Our surgeons are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert orthopedic care to get you moving and keep you active.
Taking a team approach, our joint replacement surgeons work closely with our specialty-trained therapy team. Our therapists provide expert physical therapy services and will tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs in order to restore function and get you back to the life you love.
To schedule an appointment with one of our joint replacement and revision surgeons at our office in Granville, please request an appointment online or call (740) 788-9220.
