A joint is a section of the body where at least two bones meet up in articulation, meaning allowing for movement. The articulating surfaces of the bones that rotate and allow for range of motion are covered by smooth, slippery cartilage that reduces friction. When the joint becomes damaged, movement can become painful (sometimes debilitatingly so).

In these situations, it's time to make an appointment with an adult joint reconstruction specialist.

When to Contact a Joint Specialist for Hip or Knee Pain

Adult joint reconstruction is a field of orthopaedics that focuses specifically on hip and joint replacements. It’s a procedure that can range from minor cartilage repair to total joint replacement. In the majority of cases, patients suffering from painful hip and knee joints are experiencing wear and tear caused by osteoarthritis. 

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the joint cartilage breaks down over time. This is typically the result of an active, well-lived life or a condition that developed as a result of past orthopaedic trauma. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis are the same in all impacted joints and can include all or some of the following:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Impacted range of motion

• Popping, clicking, or grinding sensation

• Redness

Early stages of arthritis can be treated nonsurgically. For example, your orthopaedic joint physician may recommend:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Physical therapy

• Activity modifications

• Lifestyle changes

• Steroid injections 

However, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition - meaning it cannot be cured. Once the conservative treatment methods stop having any impact, it’s time to speak to an adult joint reconstruction specialist about surgery.

What to Look for in an Orthopaedic Joint Physician

Joint reconstruction for the hip and knee can seem overwhelming and scary. We need these joints to move through our daily lives, so it’s important to find an orthopaedic joint physician you can trust. 

Here are some tips for finding the best adult joint reconstruction specialist for you:

1. Referrals: Ask your primary healthcare team as well as friends in your community who they would recommend. See which doctors' names are consistently mentioned. 

2. Check Credentials: Make sure your orthopaedic joint specialist is board certified and fellowship trained. What associations do they belong to? All these credentials will tell you if the physician has the training, expertise, and experience to give you the best possible treatment.

3. Patient Reviews: Patients can review their experience with their physician on a variety of sites. Google, Healthgrades, and US News are all great review sites to check how patients rate the physician's quality of care.

4. Hospital Affiliations: Where does the physician perform surgery? Do those facilities have a reputation for providing patients with a high standard of care?

Once you’ve made your selection, schedule a consultation with the physician to evaluate their communication style. Do they welcome questions? Are the members of their team organized and professional? Do you feel engaged? 

Your orthopaedic joint specialist should be compassionate and put you at ease. Remember, you can always request a second opinion if it doesn’t feel like the right fit. 

Contact Colorado’s Most Trusted Joint Reconstruction Doctor

Dr. Cafferky is a board-certified, fellowship-trained physician who specializes in adult joint reconstruction of the hip and knee. With membership in nearly ten orthopaedic associations and four hospital affiliations, Dr. Cafferky is known throughout Colorado as the go-to expert in his field. 

Consistently earning five-star ratings from his patients, Dr. Cafferky and his team at The Steadman Clinic are dedicated to helping patients get back to doing the activities they love. Experience their renowned skill and compassion today!
Schedule your consultation by calling (970) 476-1100 or submitting our online appointment request form.