Treating Arthritis Before Considering Surgery

While arthritis typically occurs in older adults, it can really affect anyone.

Aging changes bodies and some of the cartilage gets lost from bones, which become more inflamed.

According to Dr. Gregory Mendez, a Fellowship-trained, orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy, arthritis can interrupt a person's daily activities, so his goal is to decrease the pain without surgery.

Treatment can start with medications or injections and even physical therapy, but it can ultimately lead to surgery.

"First, is the joint pain that can be very sudden or gradual and also is associated with stiffness and swelling. Some people notice decreased range of motion, kind of vague symptoms around the knee," Dr. Mendez said. "It's important to see your doctor to find out what your history's been, what you've tried over time."

Dr. Mendez says an X-ray is the biggest tool he uses to see where the arthritis is and how severe it may be.

View Mercy orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gregory Mendez's interview regarding arthritis and surgery.