Knee and Hip Pain: Signs You Should See an Orthopedic Surgeon
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Medically reviewed by Gerardo Myrin, M.D.
Knee or hip pain can gradually change how you sleep, move and participate in everyday activities. If pain or stiffness continues despite medication, physical therapy, activity changes or injections, it may be time to talk with an orthopedic specialist.
An orthopedic evaluation does not automatically mean surgery. A specialist can help identify the cause of your symptoms, review nonsurgical options and determine whether joint replacement may be appropriate. For patients who are candidates, robotic-assisted technology can help the surgeon plan and perform the procedure based on the patient’s individual anatomy.
We talk to Gerardo Myrin, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Orthopedics Central, to learn more. He specializes in robotic hip and knee replacement, partial knee replacement, arthritis management and treatment of hip and knee pain. His approach centers on tissue-sparing techniques and patient-specific surgical planning, both of which play a significant role in recovery and long-term results.
“You may want to see an orthopedic specialist if hip or knee pain regularly interferes with sleep, walking, work or everyday activities, especially if medication, physical therapy, activity modification or injections have not provided lasting relief,” Myrin says. “An evaluation does not mean you are committing to surgery. It can help you understand the cause of your pain and review all appropriate treatment options.”
Signs you should see a doctor for knee or hip pain
Occasional joint discomfort may improve with rest or changes in activity. However, persistent pain or loss of mobility may be a sign that you should schedule an orthopedic evaluation.
Consider seeing a doctor if you experience:
- Knee or hip pain that regularly disrupts your sleep
- Pain that makes walking, climbing stairs or standing difficult
- Stiffness that limits your normal range of motion
- Difficulty completing work, household tasks or recreational activities
- Pain while sitting, resting or lying down
- Swelling or instability that affects your mobility
- Little or no relief after trying medication, physical therapy, activity modification or injections
Joint replacement may be considered when pain and disability continue despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that doctors may recommend total joint replacement when treatments such as medication, physical therapy and activity modification no longer provide adequate relief.
When is knee or hip replacement considered?
Symptoms alone do not determine whether someone needs joint replacement surgery. An orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your joint, overall health, treatment history and personal goals before making a recommendation.
Your evaluation may include:
- A review of your symptoms and medical history
- A physical examination of the affected joint
- Imaging, such as X-rays
- A discussion of treatments you have already tried
- An assessment of how pain affects your daily life
- A review of your health and ability to undergo surgery
- A conversation about your goals, possible risks and expected recovery
For many patients, surgery is considered only after nonsurgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief. Those treatments may include physical therapy, medication, activity modification, assistive devices or joint injections.
What is robotic-assisted joint replacement?
Robotic-assisted joint replacement uses computer-based planning and guidance to help a surgeon perform a hip or knee replacement according to a patient-specific surgical plan.
The robotic system does not operate independently or replace the surgeon. The surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure and uses the technology to plan implant size, positioning and alignment based on the patient’s anatomy.
Potential advantages of robotic-assisted joint replacement may include:
- Patient-specific surgical planning
- Real-time guidance during the procedure
- Precise implant positioning and alignment
- The ability to make adjustments based on the patient’s anatomy
- Support for restoring joint movement and function
The surgical approach and technology used are only part of joint replacement care. Recovery can also depend on the condition of the joint, overall health, rehabilitation, activity level and adherence to postoperative instructions. Results vary from patient to patient.
Robotic-assisted total hip replacement
A total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, replaces damaged portions of the hip joint with artificial components.
The direct anterior approach accesses the hip joint from the front of the body. It is designed to reduce disruption to certain surrounding muscles and tendons. When combined with robotic assistance, this approach allows the surgeon to develop a plan based on the patient’s anatomy and receive real-time guidance during surgery.
Potential benefits may include:
- Less disruption to certain muscles and soft tissues
- More accurate implant positioning
- Better restoration of leg length and hip movement
- Reduced post-op pain and improved mobility during early recovery
- A lower risk of hip impingement and enhanced overall joint stability
Not every patient is a candidate for the same surgical approach. An orthopedic surgeon can determine which option is appropriate based on the patient’s anatomy, diagnosis, health and treatment goals.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement and the Jiffy Knee technique
Total knee replacement removes damaged portions of the knee joint and replaces them with artificial components. It may be considered when severe arthritis or joint damage causes ongoing pain and makes everyday activities difficult.
The Jiffy Knee technique is a tissue-sparing approach to total knee replacement designed to minimize disruption to the quadriceps muscle and the tissues that help straighten the knee, or extensor mechanism. Combined with robotic assistance, this method allows surgeons to balance the knee precisely and make real-time adjustments based on each patient’s anatomy and soft tissue tension.
Potential benefits may include:
- A smaller incision than some traditional approaches
- Reduced disruption to certain surrounding tissues
- Patient-specific implant planning and alignment
- Faster recovery of quadriceps function and earlier return to walking and rehabilitation
- Stable, natural-feeling knee movement after recovery
Benefits of robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement surgery
The benefits: Surgical robotic technology doesn’t replace a surgeon’s skill. It is designed to complement the surgeon’s training, judgment and experience.
By providing patient-specific preoperative planning and real-time guidance during the procedure, robotic systems help surgeons achieve results that are more consistent and reproducible than traditional methods alone. The goal for every patient is the same: less pain, better function and a durable joint that supports an active lifestyle.
- Improved accuracy in implant positioning and alignment across both hip and knee procedures.
- Real-time feedback during surgery that allows adjustments based on the patient’s unique anatomy.
- Greater surgical consistency, which may contribute to better long-term implant performance.
- Enhanced ability to restore normal joint mechanics, reducing the risk of complications after surgery.
Meet Gerardo Myrin, M.D.
Meet the experts: INTEGRIS Health offers robotic-assisted joint replacement performed by skilled orthopedic surgeons who specialize in these advanced techniques. Dr. Myrin performs both direct anterior robotic total hip arthroplasty and Jiffy robotic total knee arthroplasty for patients seeking relief from debilitating joint pain.
- He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and was a fellow at the Cleveland Clinic.
- Dr. Myrin uses robotic assistance to create personalized surgical plans tailored to each patient’s anatomy before the procedure begins.
- Dr. Myrin’s approach prioritizes restoring not just function, but quality of life for every patient.
Take the next step
Find a surgeon: You do not have to wait until joint pain becomes unbearable to ask for help. If knee or hip pain is interfering with sleep, mobility or everyday activities, an orthopedic evaluation can help you understand the cause and explore treatment options.
Schedule a consultation with Gerardo Myrin, M.D., or find an INTEGRIS Health orthopedic surgeon or specialist near you.
This article was medically reviewed by Gerardo Myrin, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in Oklahoma City.
