Recommendations to help patients who are awaiting surgery, including:
- Avoiding activities that cause pain
- Using a walking aid, such as a cane, crutches, or a walker
- Applying heat or ice to the affected joint
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for swelling and pain. These include ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin. Other pain relievers, such as Paracetamol or topic pain relief creams may help too.
- Getting an injection in the affected joint
- In addition, low-impact and stretching exercises, as well as weight loss, can help with muscle and joint mobility.
And what’s happening with the underlying joint condition during this waiting period?
Patients who wait for long periods can develop more serious and complex pathology which is much more difficult to treat and can lead to less desirable results. It is important to keep your doctor informed about progressive symptoms and the development of deformities