As the products and procedures used for hip and knee joint replacement surgery continue to improve, more people are making the choice to see an orthopedic doctor to find out more about their own conditions. An orthopedic doctor is the medical specialist who treats patients for conditions of the bones and joints and who performs the joint replacement surgery to restore the individual’s mobility, range of motion, and eliminate chronic pain.

Most people will schedule a consultation with the doctor to discuss their case and whether joint replacement surgery is the right choice for them. This is the ideal time to ask questions and express any concerns you may have about the procedure. Some questions you should include:

1 Is joint replacement the best treatment for my condition right now and why or why not? Joint replacement surgery is usually considered as the last resort after all other options have been exhausted. Any existing medical conditions, your age, and the degree to which the surgery could improve your condition should be factors that will go into the decision.

2 What can I do now to make the surgery more successful? Sometimes the orthopedic doctor will recommend exercises to help strengthen the muscles before the surgery. Obesity can cause surgery to be less successful. If you have concerns, ask about your need to lose weight before your procedure. It is also advised that patients who smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol stop before the surgery.

3 What preparations do I need to make at home? You will need to know if you will be restricted to your bed and will need care. There may also be some steps you need to take to protect yourself from falls. If you have stairs in your home or don’t have anyone to help you out, you may need to go to a rehabilitation facility for some time after your surgery.

4 What are the potential complications of joint replacement surgery? Every type of surgery has potential complications and the same is true of joint replacement. Ask the orthopedic doctor about any risk factors and whether there are any actions you can take to reduce them.

5 How much pain can I expect after the surgery and what options do I have for pain relief? Make sure the doctor knows of any allergies or sensitivities you have to any pain medications or medical conditions that may prevent you from taking any pain relief.

6 What do I need to bring to the hospital? Many medical facilities will supply you with a list that includes all of the items you need for your hospital stay. They should also include information on which medicines to take and which ones to stop, when to stop eating and drinking, and whether to bring your prescription medicines with you. Just to make sure you have all the information you need, ask the doctor during your consultation.

Make a list of these questions and any others you have in mind before you see the orthopedic doctor. Leave room to take notes as your reference when you go home. To find doctors in Los Angeles, you can visit this website - Orthopedic Doctor Los Angeles.