Top Causes of Joint Pain and When Surgery Becomes Necessary

Everyone experiences joint pain at some point in life. In some cases, it is in the form of a minor ache after a hectic day, while in others, it indicates something serious. Understanding the common cause of joint pain and learning when you need surgery is crucial to taking the right steps towards treating it.

So, as a Joint Replacement Hospital in Pune, we’d like to highlight some of the common factors that cause joint pain, and when you need surgery while suffering from joint pain due to it.

Osteoarthritis
Joints have a protective cartilage that wears with time and age. Initially, it causes stiffness and mild aches. But as it progresses, the pain intensifies and restricts mobility.
When Do You Need Surgery: In the early stages, doctors treat the condition through conservative measures like injections, medications, or physiotherapy. However, if they don’t work, they recommend knee or Total Hip Replacement Treatment in Pune.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Injuries that involve a ligament tear, fracture, or dislocation can damage cartilage, resulting in arthritis in later years. Pain may be mild initially but worsens with time.
When Do You Need Surgery: Cases with extensive damage and wherein the individual cannot perform everyday activities can be recommended to undergo arthroscopy to repair damage or joint replacement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system erroneously attacks joint linings, resulting in inflammation, pain, and swelling. Medications usually help manage the symptoms. But the condition can cause significant damage over time.
When Do You Need Surgery: Severe joint deformities or loss of function require surgical options like joint fusion or replacement.

Bursitis
Bursae are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. Bursitis features inflammation of these sacs. The condition usually demands rest, physiotherapy, or ice therapy.
When Do You Need Surgery: Surgery isn’t as common in cases of bursitis. However, doctors will recommend it if chronic bursitis doesn’t respond to conservative treatment options and limits an individual’s mobility.

Gout
Gout is one of the painful forms of arthritis. The condition results from the accumulation of uric acid crystals in a joint, usually the big toe. These crystals cause sudden and intense pain attacks, redness, tenderness, and swelling.
When Do You Need Surgery: Usually, diet and medication can help you manage gout. The condition rarely requires surgery. However, if you ignore it or don’t treat it, it can damage joints, necessitating surgical repair or replacement.

Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are hard tissue bands that connect bones to other bones. Hence, they provide stability to the joints. However, a sudden fall, twist, or impact can stretch or tear these ligaments. These instances can cause sprains or complete ruptures.
When Do You Need Surgery: Minor sprains usually heal with physiotherapy and rest. But extreme ligament tears, particularly in crucial joints like the knee or ankle, usually demand reconstructive surgery to restore stability and avoid instability in the future.

Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
The condition occurs when a bone doesn’t receive the blood supply it requires to function. Such deprivation results in joint pain and damage, particularly in the hip.
When Do You Need Surgery: Medications can help manage the initial stages. But advanced cases usually require replacing the joints to restore mobility.

Tendonitis
Repetitive movements cause inflammation in tendons. In such cases, tendonitis can result in sharp pain while moving. Doctors often treat the condition with measures like rest and physiotherapy.
When Do You Need Surgery: Persistent pain or an extensive tear that doesn’t improve even after months of treatment may require surgical intervention.

Fractures
Joint pain isn’t about soft tissues or cartilage alone. In some cases, it is also the direct result of a broken bone that involves or impacts the joint. This can happen due to trauma, weakened bones, or falls.
When Do You Need Surgery: Many fractures need surgical interventions to align and stabilize the bone fragments for proper healing and restoring joint function.

Infectious Arthritis
As the name suggests, this involves a joint undergoing infection due to bacteria or various other germs. If left untreated or not treated in time, it can cause quick joint destruction. Some symptoms of infectious arthritis include redness, warmth, and pain.
When Do You Need Surgery: Doctors usually manage the condition through antibiotics. But the individual requires undergoing surgical drainage of the infected joint to remove pus and reduce pressure. The procedure can help the antibiotics work more effectively and prevent further damage.

Need Personalized and Effective Joint Pain Treatment? Visit Ranka Hospital!
Joint pain doesn’t always require or mean surgery. But in severe cases where the pain restricts routine movements or causes extensive damage, timely and expert surgery can help mitigate the risk and damage. So, if you are also struggling with joint pain and need the right treatment, don’t live with its hardships. Connect with the Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Pune and get a personalized treatment plan charted for your condition. Call us at +91 7387601495 to schedule an appointment with us.