How to know when to take the next step

For many people in the Shreveport-Bossier area, an active lifestyle is a way of life. Whether it’s playing a round of golf at East Ridge Country Club, spending time with grandkids at the park or enjoying crawfish with family, mobility is key to maintaining a high quality of life. But what happens when persistent hip or knee pain starts interfering with these activities? How do you know when it’s time to consider a joint replacement?

Recognizing the Signs That Surgery Might Be Necessary

Joint pain, especially in the hips and knees, is common as we age. However, there comes a point when pain becomes more than just an occasional nuisance. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time to consider a hip or knee replacement:

1. Chronic Pain That Affects Daily Life – If standing for long periods at church services, playing with your grandkids, or even getting out of bed in the morning is becoming difficult, your joints may be severely deteriorating.

2. Limited Mobility – Struggling to bend your knee, difficulty putting on socks and shoes, or trouble getting in and out of a car can be signs of advanced arthritis.

3. Pain Even at Rest – If you find yourself unable to sleep because of joint pain, or if you’re avoiding gatherings with family and friends because standing for long periods is unbearable, it’s worth a discussion with an orthopedic specialist.

4. Non-Surgical Treatments Aren’t Helping – If physical therapy, medications, injections or lifestyle changes no longer provide relief, surgery may be the best option.

Overcoming the Fear of Surgery

Understandably, many people are hesitant about undergoing joint replacement surgery. The good news is that advancements in orthopedic surgery, including robotic-assisted procedures and minimally invasive techniques, have made hip and knee replacements safer and more effective than ever.

Many patients find that they regain mobility faster than they expected and wonder why they waited so long.

The truth is, delaying surgery can often make things worse. If you wait until you can barely walk, your muscles may weaken, making recovery more challenging. Early intervention often leads to a smoother rehabilitation process and a quicker return to the activities you love. At some point, you will realize you are living your life around your hip or knee pain, avoiding the things you love because of it. That’s when it’s time to consider surgery.

What to Expect from Recovery

Recovery is often the biggest concern for patients considering joint replacement. While everyone heals at their own pace, most people can expect:

• Walking with assistance (like a walker or cane) within hours of surgery

• Returning home within one to two days after surgery

• Resuming most normal daily activities within four to six weeks

• Returning to full activity, including golf, fishing and light exercise, in about three to four months.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery. Many patients find motivation in setting goals — whether it’s playing pickleball again, attending church services comfortably or traveling to visit family pain-free.

Making the Decision

Deciding to undergo joint replacement is a personal choice, but it should be an informed one. A consultation with an orthopedic specialist can help determine the best course of action based on your specific symptoms, lifestyle and overall health.

If hip or knee pain is keeping you from enjoying life, it may be time to take the next step. With today’s medical advancements, joint replacement surgery can restore your mobility, independence and ability to fully engage in the moments that matter most.

Jeffrey Pearson, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in anterior total hip and robotic knee replacement. To schedule an appointment, visit orthopedicspecialistsla.com or call 318-635-3052.