Nathan Cafferky, MD wants patients to know that skiing after a knee or hip replacement surgery is possible. It might seem daunting, but with proper preparation and a focus on ski season readiness, you can hit the slopes with confidence.

Undergoing a hip total joint surgery is a transformative journey towards restoring mobility and improving quality of life. While the benefits of this procedure are significant, it's essential to acknowledge that pain after hip replacement is a natural part of the recovery process. Dr. Nathan Cafferky discusses effective pain relief strategies to help patients navigate through hip replacement pain and discomfort, especially during weight-bearing activities.

Recognizing that knee replacement surgery may not always be the initial option, Dr. Cafferky often recommends various knee replacement alternatives. He has extensive expertise in total joint replacement of the knee, knee joint revision, and is fellowship-trained in joint reconstruction, which has positioned him to provide patients with appropriate knee replacement alternative treatments.

When it comes to choosing the best knee replacement option, it's crucial to seek the guidance of a highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeon. In Eagle and Summit counties of Colorado, Dr. Nathan Cafferky of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurology has established himself as a trusted board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in knee treatments. With clinical expertise in both full and partial knee replacements, Dr. Cafferky offers personalized care to patients in Vail, Frisco, Buena Vista, and Denver.

Nathan Cafferky, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic doctor with a strong clinical focus on joint replacement procedures, including knee replacement surgery for active patients. Dr. Cafferky’s explicit goal is to return patients to the lifestyle they enjoy — this includes a growing number of pickleball players. Patients want to know, “Can I play pickleball after knee replacement surgery?” Dr. Cafferky helps patients know how, and when they can return to pickleball following a knee replacement.

Nathan Cafferky, MD, a surgeon at The Steadman Clinic specializing in joint replacement, with a clinical focus on hip replacement procedures. His advanced expertise in hip replacement surgery includes minimally invasive techniques to reduce patient recovery time. Dr. Cafferky wants patients to have an understanding of different types of hip replacement surgeries. Options include:

• Anterior hip replacement

• Posterior hip replacement

• Partial hip replacement

Although each person's recovery timeline from total hip replacement surgery is unique, knowing when you may be able to drive, return to work, and exercise again can help you feel better prepared for your journey.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions Dr. Cafferky and his team receive about recovery milestones.

If pain, stiffness, or limited mobility is impacting your ability to do the activities you love most, it may be time to consider a total knee replacement. It's normal to have concerns about getting an artificial joint or feel anxiety about the surgery itself. Yet, for many people, a knee replacement can be transformative, allowing them to resume an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

If you are considering having hip or knee replacement surgery — or have one scheduled — you may be feeling a mix of emotions: excited at the prospect of improved mobility and reduced pain, but also anxious or overwhelmed. However, with the right support and preparation, you can minimize some of the associated stress and set yourself up for a successful surgery and recovery process.

Here are our top five most popular blog posts of 2022 that you might have missed!

Hip osteoarthritis is a progressive disease. What starts as mild pain or stiffness in the morning may eventually lead to more severe symptoms that can affect your mobility and quality of life. But how do you know if your hip pain is the beginning of osteoarthritis?

"Can I still ski?" is a common question among winter enthusiasts with knee osteoarthritis.

The good news is that for many people, the answer is yes! With a little bit of planning and a few extra precautions, you can still chase untouched corduroy and fresh powder.

“For me, the choice for surgery boiled down to one question: do I want to live well now or wait around for some undetermined amount of time? I chose to live NOW.”

There are many potential causes of pain in the front of the hip, also called anterior hip pain. Sometimes it’s the result of an overuse injury like hip flexor strains or bursitis, but it can also be caused by a joint disease like osteoarthritis.

If you're experiencing hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, you may be facing the prospect of hip replacement surgery. It's a big decision and one that you may be tempted to put off for as long as possible. Let's take a look at some factors you should consider before deciding to postpone hip surgery.

Experiencing mild discomfort after a run or workout is common, but if your knee pain becomes persistent, it could be a sign of something more serious.

No two patients are alike, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to joint replacement surgery. However, several factors will help you and your orthopaedic joint specialist determine whether a partial or total knee replacement is right for you.

Is hip pain beginning to affect your quality of life? If you're finding it more difficult to sleep, walk, perform everyday tasks, or participate in activities you enjoy, it may be time to see an orthopaedic joint specialist about total hip replacement surgery.

Is arthritis the cause of your morning knee pain and stiffness? Here are some of the common symptoms and treatments for knee arthritis.

If you're considering a total knee replacement, learn more about three new technologies Dr. Cafferky offers to help you get back to doing the activities you love.