Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Are my symptoms a sign of osteoarthritis?

What tests should I have to see if I need a knee or hip replacement?

What treatments should I try before considering a joint replacement?

My pain is getting worse. Is there a medicine I can take that will help?

What else can I do to ease my symptoms?

How many joint replacements have you (or the surgeon you are recommending) done?

Where would I go to have the procedure?

Are there other surgical techniques or devices that are used that may work better for me?

Even though I take medicine, I’m still in pain. Can I safely increase my dose or try a different medicine?

What should I do to get ready for surgery? Should I quit smoking? Lose weight?

Would physical therapy, acupuncture, or other treatments help?

What are the complications of joint replacement?  How often do they happen?

What should I expect following joint replacement surgery? 

How long is the recovery time after a joint replacement?

Will I need physical therapy after surgery? If so, would that be at home or the hospital?

How long will the replacement joint typically last? What can I do to make it last as long as possible?

Do my symptoms mean my joint damage is getting worse?

My pain limits what I can do every day. Are there any other treatments that may help?

Will surgery relieve all my pain? If not, how will my pain be managed after surgery?

How long will I have to stay in the hospital after joint replacement?

How long after surgery till I can get back to my normal activities? Work? Driving? Climbing stairs?

Is there anything I can do before surgery to speed my recovery?