If you’ve suffered from chronic joint discomfort, you may be all too familiar with the various treatments and therapies available. You may have even come to terms with the indefinite discomfort. But what if your chronic joint pain is actually a sign of something more serious? Joint pain is often the result of wear and tear, overuse, or age. But it can also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, gout, or infection.
Joint surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments have failed to provide relief or if the joint damage is severe. However, there are several signs that may indicate that surgery may be the best next step for you. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may want to speak to your doctor about the possibility of a more permanent, surgical fix:
- Your chronic joint discomfort significantly interferes with your regular daily activities.
- You experience pain that persists despite plenty of rest.
- Over-the-counter and/or prescription medications offer little to no relief.
- Physical deformity in the affected joint.
- Swelling, tenderness, and/or redness around the joint.
- A loss of range of motion in the affected joint.
- There’s been a complete or partial loss of function in the affected joint.
- Your pain is accompanied by a fever, rash, or other concerning symptoms.
If any of these signs describe your situation, or you’re unsure whether or not your chronic joint pain requires surgery, the best course of action is to speak to your doctor. They will be able to assess your individual case and make the best recommendation for you. The thought of undergoing surgery may be daunting to many people, but it’s important to understand that in some cases, surgery is required in order to avoid further injury and deterioration. If your joint pain does require a surgical fix, putting off a meeting with your doctor may put you at risk for worse complications down the road. Chronic joint pain can be debilitating, but there are options available to help you find relief. Reach out for help today.
Are you or a loved one suffering from chronic joint pain? Contact us to set up an appointment and discuss your options.