Hip and Knee
Hip and Knee Care at Mercy
Hips and knees are precious parts of the body. We rely on them to accomplish basic everyday tasks without even thinking. But over time, these joints can wear down, requiring treatment to restore function.
If your car breaks down, you wouldn't consult a mechanic who rarely works on your make and model. Health care should be no different.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating hip and knee conditions. They have the training and experience of performing hundreds of procedures, ensuring that your surgery is as successful as it can be.
We take your care very seriously, and make sure you understand the risk and benefits of any procedure beforehand. Together, we'll put you on the right path toward recovery.
Why Choose Mercy?
At Mercy, we bring the most up-to-date hip and knee replacement technologies and treatment methods to every community we serve. You'll never have to travel far if you want access to industry-leading health care, regardless of where you live.
Thanks to Mercy's integrated network of providers, you can easily access specialists once you come in for your appointment. If you need any follow-up care, we'll refer you to the right person.
Plus, you'll be able to talk to your doctor on MyMercy, our one-stop-shop app that lets you manage all your care from one convenient place.
Considering Hip or Knee Surgery?
Hip and knee problems can occur at any stage of life. You could blow out your knee playing a game of touch football or have long-lasting hip pain that's become debilitating.
We’ve helped thousands of hip and knee patients overcome injury, disease and other problems that make life more difficult. And our orthopedic specialists will help you develop a treatment plan to prioritize your recovery and rehabilitation.
Understanding the Hip and Knee
Your hips and knees are large, weight-bearing joints. They help you stand, walk and perform powerful, complex movements like running, jumping and squatting. And they often endure forces several times your body weight.
The knee is a hinge joint made up of three bones: the bottom of your femur, the top of your tibia and your kneecap (patella).
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The top of your thigh bone is rounded and shaped like a ball. It fits into a bowl-shaped hollow (socket) in your pelvis.
Both pairs of joints are held together and protected by tissues. Ligaments connect the bones to other bones, and tendons connect bones to muscles. A layer of slippery tissue called cartilage covers the ends of your bones. This helps your bones glide against each other when your body moves.
If you injure the bone or surrounding tissue of your hip or knee joint, you may have pain, swelling or other symptoms that make it harder to get around.
Arthritis and Shots for Knee Pain
Arthritis is the medical term for joint inflammation. It refers to a group of more than 100 related disorders that share common symptoms. These disorders include joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. It occurs when cartilage (protective tissue on the ends of our bones) breaks down and wears away. When bone rubs right up against bone, it causes pain, swelling and other symptoms.
Osteoarthritis often affects weight-bearing joints, including the hips and knees. When it attacks the knee joint, it's often referred to as knee osteoarthritis, or knee OA.
Even though knee OA symptoms may arise gradually, they usually get worse with age. You may be able to manage pain early on with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. But as your cartilage continues to deteriorate, this type of medicine might not work as well.
Injections to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis
If over-the-counter treatments don't help, but you're not ready for knee replacement surgery, your doctor may recommend a knee injection. This happens when a medication or other substance is injected directly into your knee joint.
If you're interested in a knee injection, your doctor will help you decide which one is right for you. We'll also make sure you understand the benefits and risks of injectable treatments.
There are two main types of knee injections.
Corticosteroid injections (also known as cortisone shots or steroid shots) contain a type of medicine that reduces pain and inflammation. When delivered into the knee, they may provide fast relief of pain, swelling and stiffness. Results may last for several weeks, months or longer.
A healthy knee contains fluid that helps cushion the joint, reducing friction. Within this fluid is a substance called hyaluronic acid, a lubricant that keeps your bones from grinding against each other.
People with osteoarthritis often have less hyaluronic acid in their knee joints. Doctors can inject hyaluronic acid (also known as viscosupplements) into the knee to help replenish what was lost. This may improve joint lubrication and reduce pain and swelling for several months at a time.
At Mercy, we know that considering hip or knee surgery is a big deal. And there are many factors that may affect your decision. We'll make sure you have the right information to move forward with your health care journey. Set aside some time to talk with us today.
