Local hospitals in Shasta County began to postpone elective surgeries during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic this past spring. This step was taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, as hospitals worked to ensure they would have enough resources available for a potential surge in patients. Although orthopaedic surgeries have since resumed at our hospitals in Redding, we are still seeing an impact from the temporary halt on elective procedures.
Having to delay a hip replacement or knee replacement surgery can be disappointing. Most patients are already in pain, and waiting an additional week or month for surgery is certainly not ideal. This challenge is compounded when patients have already asked for time off from work or arranged for a family member to help during the recovery process.
We are currently doing everything possible to minimize the wait for orthopaedic elective surgeries, including opening up additional options for patients who require extra help and those with exceptionally painful symptoms.
If your surgery has been postponed, please know that we will do everything possible to reschedule your surgery as soon as possible. In the meantime, you may want to try some of these nonsurgical treatments to minimize painful symptoms until your new surgery date.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Arthritis
If you are waiting to have joint replacement surgery on your hip or knee, then your pain is most likely being caused by arthritis in the affected joint. The following nonsurgical treatments may be helpful:
Change certain activities to avoid doing things that cause you pain.
Try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to control pain and swelling.
Apply ice or heat to the affected joint, depending on which is more comfortable.
Avoid stairs as much as possible.
If you have any questions or problems while you are waiting for your surgery date, it’s important to stay in communication with our office. A telehealth visit may be appropriate. These are unprecedented times for all of us, however keeping patients comfortable and prepared for surgery day always remains a top priority.
More Information
The CDC has created a website to provide patients with updates about COVID-19. You can visit that website, here. Additionally, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has also created a hub with a wide range of relevant COVID-19 resources.
If you would like more information about scheduling an appointment with Dr. Miles, either virtually or in-person, please call Shasta Orthopaedics at (530) 246-2467.