Answers to common patient questions — from understanding your condition to preparing for surgery and what to expect during recovery.
This is general information — your surgical team will tailor guidance to your specific procedure and progress.
Hip arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage covering the ball and socket gradually wears away. Read the full explanation →
Most hip arthritis develops gradually over time because of aging and genetics, although previous injuries and structural problems can accelerate the process. Read the full explanation →
Most patients feel pain in the groin. Pain may also travel into the thigh, buttock, or knee. Read the full explanation →
Pain, stiffness, and loss of motion are the most common symptoms. Read the full explanation →
Unfortunately, no. Once cartilage has worn away, today's treatments cannot reliably restore it. Read the full explanation →
When hip pain consistently limits your quality of life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment. Read the full explanation →
Many patients improve with conservative treatment before surgery becomes necessary. Read the full explanation →
Because the nerves supplying the hip and knee overlap. Read the full explanation →
The best time for a knee replacement is not determined by your age or your X-rays alone. It is when knee pain is keeping you from living the life you want despite trying reasonable nonsurgical treatments. Read the full explanation →
Knee arthritis is rarely an emergency, but waiting until you are severely limited can lead to weakness, stiffness, reduced endurance, and a more difficult recovery. Read the full explanation →
Age alone does not determine whether you are a candidate. Your arthritis, symptoms, health, activity level, and personal goals matter much more. Read the full explanation →
Not necessarily. Overall health, independence, mobility, and surgical risk are usually more important than chronological age. Read the full explanation →
Unfortunately, advanced arthritis cannot currently be reversed. Once cartilage has worn away, available treatments cannot reliably restore normal cartilage throughout the knee. Read the full explanation →
Knee arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually wears away. Read the full explanation →
Shoulder arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage covering the ball and socket gradually wears away. Read the full explanation →
Arthritis is primarily a problem with the joint surfaces. A rotator cuff tear is primarily a problem with the tendons that move and stabilize the shoulder. Read the full explanation →
Pain, stiffness, grinding, weakness, and loss of motion are the most common symptoms. Read the full explanation →
Unfortunately not. Once cartilage has worn away, current treatments cannot reliably restore it. Read the full explanation →
Shoulder replacement becomes an option when pain and loss of function significantly affect your quality of life despite appropriate conservative treatment. Read the full explanation →
Many patients improve with conservative treatment before shoulder replacement becomes necessary. Read the full explanation →
You may be a good candidate if you have severe arthritis significantly impacting your quality of life and non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief, and you are medically optimized for surgery. The final decision is made after a thorough evaluation of your history, exam, imaging, and overall health.
High medical risk factors include severe cardiopulmonary disease, a recent heart attack or stroke requiring blood thinners that cannot be paused, poorly controlled diabetes (A1c >7.5), significant anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL), or active illicit drug use. We work closely with your physicians to optimize your health before surgery.
Key surgical risk factors include BMI >45, heavy alcohol use (more than 7 drinks per day), and nicotine use in any form (smoking, vaping, pouches).
Higher BMI increases the distance from skin to the joint, leading to longer operative times, larger incisions, and greater risk of wound complications. Studies show infection risk is often 3–5 times higher in patients with BMI >40, along with higher risk of implant loosening. We evaluate this individually and discuss optimization strategies when appropriate.
Nicotine from any source — smoking, vaping, pouches — constricts blood vessels and impairs healing. It is associated with higher rates of wound complications, infection, blood clots, pneumonia, and implant loosening. We routinely screen for nicotine use and offer cessation support before elective surgery.
Metal allergies (particularly to nickel, cobalt, or chromium) are relatively uncommon but important to discuss. During your consultation we will review your history and may order patch testing. Most modern implants are highly biocompatible, and true allergic reactions causing failure are rare. In cases of confirmed significant allergy, alternatives such as ceramic or oxidized zirconium (ceramicized) components are available.
Modern hip, knee, and shoulder replacements typically last 25+ years for the majority of patients. Longevity depends on your age, activity level, weight, and implant type. Many patients never need a revision, but we monitor your implant at regular follow-up visits.
Possibly. Most patients receive a wallet card confirming they have a metal implant. Inform the TSA agent and they will use a handheld wand or pat-down. Newer full-body scanners usually do not trigger alarms.
Blood thinners, NSAIDs, diabetes medications, GLP-1 medications, rheumatoid/inflammatory medications, steroids, and vitamins & supplements each have their own timing. See the full Medications Before Surgery guide for details on each category.
Yes, many patients can safely go home the same day if they can walk with a walker, use the restroom independently, have minimal nausea or pain, and have a safe home environment. Same-day discharge allows you to recover in familiar surroundings and reduces exposure to hospital-acquired infections.
You are most vulnerable during the first 1–2 weeks. We recommend having a family member, friend, or caregiver available at least a couple of times per day to help with meals, mobility, and daily activities.
Your insurance provider determines eligibility. Requirements vary — some plans need a minimum hospital stay and PT evaluation, others require pre-authorization. We work with you and your family to create the safest recovery plan possible.
Most patients begin physical therapy the day of or the day after surgery. Your first outpatient PT appointment is typically scheduled 2–5 days after discharge. We will provide your specific PT schedule before you leave the hospital. Early mobilization is key to a successful recovery.
This depends on the surgery, but most of the time, no — you may participate in all activities as tolerated once cleared in clinic.
Low-impact activities — walking, swimming, cycling, golf — are usually encouraged early in recovery.
Higher-impact activities such as running, tennis, and skiing can often be resumed after 3–6 months, once strength and range of motion are restored. We provide personalized guidance based on your goals and progress.
Once the skin has healed well with no areas of opening — consistently by 6 weeks, though sometimes earlier.
High-impact activities, or activities with a high risk of falling or trauma.
Typical follow-up schedule: 2 weeks — wound check; 8 weeks — functional assessment; 1 year — then as needed. X-rays are usually taken at these visits to monitor healing and implant position.
At least 5–10 steps every hour while awake, following a weekly step count target designed to reduce inflammation. See the Recovery Step Count Guide below.
When you feel steady enough to transition to a cane — usually within the first couple of weeks. Some patients need it longer, and that's completely normal.
Typically at the same point you feel steady enough to leave the walker behind — for most patients, within the first couple of weeks.
Yes, this is common during the first month of recovery due to soreness and swelling.
These are guidelines designed to reduce swelling — not a competition. Run your own race. Everyone heals differently. From week 7 on, you can generally increase your step count by about 1,000 steps per day each week, as pain and swelling allow. Watch the related Rule of 7s video for the bigger picture on recovery pacing.
There is no strict timeline. You must be off all narcotic pain medications and feel safe and confident behind the wheel. When ready, begin with someone else in the car as a precaution.
Yes — if your driving leg was the operated side, your return to driving is usually a bit slower, since it depends on your progress through therapy and the return of proprioception (your body's sense of joint position).
No. Driving while taking narcotic pain medication is driving under the influence — it slows response time and clouds judgment much like alcohol.
You must be off all narcotic pain medications before returning to work. Most patients return around 6 weeks after surgery depending on job type. This will be discussed at your 2-week and 8-week follow-up appointments.
Usually within the first month.
Usually by the second month, though some patients need more time depending on the physical demands of the job.
FMLA and other paperwork should be given to our clinic or joint coordinator so it can be signed and returned with the appropriate notes.
Whichever position works best for you. A pillow under the leg or hip can improve comfort, and some patients prefer sleeping in a chair for the first stretch of recovery. Finding what's comfortable matters more than any single "correct" position.
Yes, but it may feel uncomfortable at first.
You experienced a significant trauma, and your body is healing. The soft tissues are working through inflammation, and that process isn't always comfortable — this settles as recovery progresses.
Yes, swelling is normal and can persist for several weeks. It is usually worst during the first week, peaking around day 3, then improving steadily. Contact our clinic if swelling or bruising seems excessive or is accompanied by other concerns.
Swelling is worst the first week, then improves over the following 6 weeks, and normalizes over the next 3–7 months.
Ice for 40 minutes every hour while awake, then take a 20-minute break for rest and exercises. See Control the Swelling for the full framework.
If swelling continues to progress with weeping of the skin and significant redness, if there is fullness of the veins and calf pain that doesn't improve, or if you become short of breath even at rest, contact our clinic.
Some breakthrough bleeding with increased activity is common and typically improves with rest, ice, and compression. Contact our clinic or nurse coordinator for guidance on dressing changes or to triage any concerns.
Remove the outer compression wrap and soft dressing within 1 week of surgery or at your first physical therapy appointment. Leave the mesh or glue in place until you are seen in clinic.
Yes. While outer bandages are in place, use a cast cover to keep them dry. Within about 7 days after surgery you may remove all dressings except the mesh on the skin and shower. Use unscented soap and avoid scrubbing the incision or submerging it in water.
If there is progressive redness with streaking, an allergic-type reaction (similar to poison ivy), or if drainage is foul-smelling and/or accompanied by a fever above 101.5°F.
Everyone's pain is different. The first week is typically the worst for pain and swelling. Soreness and moderate pain are normal; inability to put any weight on the leg or arm, or extreme pain, typically is not.
Pain should begin improving during the first week and is much improved after the first month.
You will receive a multimodal pain management plan that may include acetaminophen (Tylenol), an anti-inflammatory if appropriate, a short course of narcotic pain medication, and nerve pain medication if needed. Our goal is to minimize narcotic use while keeping you comfortable.
You will have several new postoperative medications to add to your regimen — take them as prescribed. We will discuss resuming your home medications at your preoperative visit.
Call our office at (979) 207-4369 for refills. Please allow 2–3 business days for processing. If you will run out near a weekend or holiday, call early.
Take medication with food and stay well hydrated. Use the prescribed anti-nausea medication as directed. If severe nausea prevents eating or drinking, contact our office. After hours, call our on-call provider at 800-724-7037.
Aspirin is prescribed to prevent blood clots, not for pain control. Please continue all medications as prescribed unless instructed otherwise.
You will be prescribed a blood thinner — often aspirin or a stronger medication — for several weeks after surgery. Early walking, ankle pumps, and compression stockings also help reduce risk. We will review your specific protocol before discharge.
Typically 6 weeks after surgery.
Ankle pumps, getting up every hour, compression stockings or sequential compression devices, and the blood thinner prescribed to you all help reduce risk.
Work on ankle pumps or use sequential compression devices, and take a break to get out of the car every hour to an hour and a half to walk and stretch.
Current recommendations do not require preventive antibiotics before routine dental procedures for every patient with a joint replacement. Recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors, the dental procedure, and the preferences of the treating physicians. If you have been told you need antibiotics, or have questions about your individual situation, please contact the office.
Stay well hydrated and take prescribed laxatives as directed. If you have no bowel movement after three days, contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369. An enema may be needed.
Stay well hydrated. If you have not urinated within 24 hours, contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369. A urology evaluation may be required.
Keep the catheter clean and in place. You should have a urology appointment within the week for removal. Contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369 if you have not heard from urology within 48 hours.
A low-grade fever (up to 101.5°F) is common. If fever exceeds 101.5°F and does not improve within 2–3 hours after Tylenol, contact our clinic at (979) 207-4369. After hours, call 800-724-7037.
We always start with conservative care when appropriate. Options may include physical therapy, activity modification and weight management, oral medications, steroid injections, gel injections for select patients, and bracing or assistive devices. We only recommend surgery when these measures no longer provide meaningful relief and quality of life is significantly affected.
Yes, we offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. While popular, high-quality evidence for long-term benefit in advanced arthritis is still limited. We focus on proven treatments and will discuss realistic expectations. If you are interested in PRP, we can explore this further during your clinic visit.
Gel injections (hyaluronic acid) can provide temporary pain relief for some patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis. Results vary widely — some patients experience months of improvement, others notice little benefit. They are generally not effective for severe (bone-on-bone) arthritis. We will discuss whether this is a reasonable option based on your imaging and symptoms.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace instructions from your surgeon or healthcare team. Individual recommendations may vary based on your procedure, health, and recovery. Contact your surgical team with questions about your specific care.