When pain affects your lifestyle, you should talk to your doctor or seek a referral to one of the orthopedic specialists on the Baylor Scott & White – McKinney medical staff to determine if joint replacement is right for you. Your doctor may first try conservative treatments, including:
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Walking aids
- Physical therapy and exercise
You may be a candidate for joint replacement surgery if:
- Conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms
- Pain or limited range of motion affects daily activities
- You avoid using the affected joint
Younger patients with hip joint damage may be a candidate for a procedure called hip resurfacing, which leaves more bone intact than a total joint replacement.
If you are older and worried about joint replacement surgery, talk to your doctor. Research has shown that even if you are older, joint replacement can restore movement and help you feel better. In fact, studies show that patients over 55 who have had total knee and total joint replacement surgeries still function well after 20 years.