Do Not Live in Pain. There is Relief for Osteoarthritis Joint Pain

South Central Orthopedics | 1002 Jefferson Street, Suite 350 in Laurel

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, which affects millions of people. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can damage any joint, but the disorder most commonly affects joints in hands, knees, hips and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints cannot be reversed. Derrick L. Burgess, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon at South Central Orthopedics in Laurel, is working to decrease the pain for those suffering with osteoarthritis and increase their quality of life.

“Thousands of knee replacements are performed each year,” said Dr. Burgess. “For those living with arthritis, pain relief can come from non-operative treatments such as medications, injections, physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Yet, when these treatments no longer stop the pain, joint replacement is recommended. Addressing osteoarthritis with knee replacements is one of the best surgical procedures that we can offer in orthopedics.”

Derrick Burgess, M.D., South Central Sports Medicine Director and Orthopedic Surgeon

Ms. Elaine Pitts, a patient of South Central Orthopedics, came to this decision after her quality of life was drastically impacted. Ms. Pitts explains, “I decided to consult with Dr. Burgess when my quality of life was really being disrupted by knee pain. I was not able to drive or walk long distances. I was unable to do the things that I enjoy — going to church, working in the yard, going to town. So, Dr. Burgess and I sat down and discussed the treatment options.” Dr. Burgess explained, “We tried non-surgical injections and physical therapy. However, she I continued to have major discomfort from her knee osteoarthritis, and at that point, we decided to proceed with joint re-placements.”

Patients like Ms. Pitts have surgery because the cartilage between bones in the knee has worn away, often creating painful bone-on-bone interaction. Despite many people’s fear of surgery, the majority of patients are pain-free after surgery, which can lead to a huge boost in quality of life.

“Ms. Pitts had a marvelous attitude about her surgery,” said Dr. Burgess. “She approached her surgery with confidence to that she would have a good result. Post-operatively, she was up the first day and participated really well in her physical therapy plan.”

The process of a joint replacement has become more streamlined over time. The typical time for a patient to remain in the hospital is two to three days. Patients and their caregivers who receive treatment at South Central Regional Medical Center participate in Joint Camp, an educational program for joint replacement patients to experience faster healing and recovery.

“For a patient, educating themselves before surgery is key to recovery,” said Dr. Burgess. South Central Joint Camp provides a comprehensive manual for patients to use prior to surgery and post-operatively to assist with any questions they may have. The program also offers pre-habilitation sessions at the medical center to help expedite the patient’s flow through the process.

“For those who have had a joint replacement procedure, it is critical to begin rehabilitation shortly after surgery. Scar tissue can build up around the joint if the joint is idle. This can have a major impact on recovery,” Dr. Burgess said. “So, we have our patients get up as soon as we can, and begin to move that joint to help the patient improve their quality of life.”

“It was like no surgery recovery that I have had in the past,” said Ms. Pitts. “The staff were experienced, and that really made me feel confident in my care. It was very, very good. This was the best outcome that we could hope for. Today, I have no problems with my knees. It is amazing to me that I was able to go to the grocery store, walk that store over, get in my car and go home, and I had just had major surgery six weeks prior. I am so pleased.”

Dr. Burgess is an Orthopedic Surgeon at South Central Orthopedics in Laurel. If you are experiencing knee pain or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Burgess, call South Central Orthopedics at 601-649-5990. South Central Orthopedics is located at 1002 Jefferson Street, Suite 350, in Laurel. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans. To learn more, visit scrmc.com.