Advice

Knowing when your joints need replacing typically involves a combination of factors, including your symptoms, the severity of joint pain, functional limitations, and the impact on your quality of life. If you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it may be time to consider consulting an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation:

1. Persistent Joint Pain: Chronic and persistent joint pain, particularly when it interferes with your daily activities and is not relieved by conservative treatments like rest, medication, or physical therapy.
2. Joint Stiffness: Increasing joint stiffness and reduced range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks or move the joint freely.
3. Swelling and Inflammation: Frequent or recurrent joint swelling and inflammation, especially if accompanied by warmth and tenderness around the joint.
4. Joint Deformity: Visible changes in the joint’s shape or alignment may indicate significant joint damage.
5. Limited Mobility: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing routine movements due to joint pain and dysfunction.
6. Functional Limitations: A decline in your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed, such as sports, hobbies, or exercising, due to joint pain and limitations.
7. Unresponsive to Conservative Treatments: If conservative treatments like physical therapy, pain medications, joint injections, or lifestyle modifications do not provide adequate relief from joint pain and dysfunction.
8. Radiographic Evidence: X-rays or other imaging tests that show significant joint damage, such as bone-on-bone contact or joint degeneration.

Remember that joint replacement is typically considered after other conservative treatment options have been exhausted. If you are experiencing persistent joint pain or other concerning symptoms, it is essential to consult with an orthopedic specialist. The orthopedic surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation, review your medical history, and order appropriate tests to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition. They will help you understand the available treatment options, including joint replacement surgery if suitable for your case.