By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
MARSHFIELD — Aches and pains are something nearly everyone experiences with age, but knowing when those symptoms signal a bigger issue can be difficult.
That was the focus of a recent episode of “Your Health Matters” with Marshfield Clinic, where host Laura Kibbel sat down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Cagle to discuss when patients should seek care and what treatment options are available.
Cagle said one of the biggest misconceptions patients have is that seeing a surgeon automatically means surgery.
“You can see a surgeon, and it doesn’t mean you’re going to have surgery,” he said. “Not all problems need surgery.”
Instead, he explained, patients often have a choice between surgical and non-surgical providers, depending on their comfort level and the severity of their symptoms.
People should consider making an appointment when pain persists despite treatments such as rest, medication or physical therapy — especially if it begins to affect daily life.
“If it’s impacting your lifestyle, that’s when it’s time to come in,” Cagle said.
During a typical visit, patients can expect a medical history review, physical exam and imaging, often starting with X-rays. In many cases, those images are enough to diagnose arthritis, the most common cause of joint pain.
Arthritis occurs when cartilage — the smooth surface that protects joints — wears away, causing bones to rub together.
“That’s what people mean when they say ‘bone-on-bone,’” Cagle said. “The cartilage is gone, and the bones are touching.”
While joint replacement surgery is an option, Cagle emphasized it is usually elective and based on how much the pain affects a patient’s quality of life.
“It’s a personal decision,” he said. “You can choose surgery, or you can choose to live with the symptoms.”
Before surgery is considered, patients are encouraged to try non-surgical treatments such as injections, physical therapy, bracing and anti-inflammatory medications. Lifestyle changes, including weight loss and modifying exercise routines, can also significantly reduce pain.
For patients who do move forward with surgery, recovery depends heavily on rehabilitation. Cagle said consistent movement and physical therapy — especially in the first few weeks — are critical for long-term success.
“The first three months are the most important,” he said. “That’s when you’re preventing stiffness and setting yourself up for a good outcome.”
Kibbel noted that many patients struggle with deciding whether to move forward with surgery, especially when balancing pain with potential risks.
Cagle acknowledged those concerns, emphasizing that patient safety is always the priority.
“Our first goal is to do no harm,” he said.
Patients interested in seeing a specialist can often schedule an appointment directly, though some insurance plans may require a referral.
The episode concluded with a reminder that persistent pain should not be ignored.
“If your knee or hip is affecting your life, don’t wait,” Cagle said. “Come in and get it checked out.”