Living with arthritis often means adjusting to daily discomfort, navigating joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility while trying to maintain your normal routines. But over time, these symptoms can begin to limit more than movement. They may affect your sleep, independence, productivity at work, or ability to participate in activities that bring meaning to your life.

If you’ve tried medications, physical therapy, or joint injections without lasting relief, surgery may be worth considering.

Gateway Surgery supports patients seeking timely access to arthritis surgery, especially when symptoms start to disrupt day-to-day functioning. In this article, we’ll explore when surgery might be appropriate and how our team helps patients make informed decisions about their joint health.

TL;DR

  • If arthritis is interfering with your daily life—even after trying medications, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes—it may be time to consider surgical options.
  • Common signs include persistent joint pain, stiffness, disrupted sleep, and reduced independence.
  • Surgery isn’t the first step, but it can offer long-term relief when conservative treatments stop working.
  • At Gateway Surgery, we help patients explore personalized, timely solutions for advanced arthritis in the hip, knee, or shoulder.

Arthritis and Its Impact

Arthritis is a broad term for more than 100 conditions that cause inflammation in the joints, often leading to persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

The most common form, osteoarthritis, develops when protective cartilage within the joint gradually breaks down. While often linked to wear and tear, it can also result from past injuries, joint overuse, or structural imbalances. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own joint tissue.

Arthritis can affect nearly any joint, but it’s most common in the hips, knees, shoulders, and hands. As it progresses, daily activities like climbing stairs, reaching overhead, or sleeping comfortably can become increasingly difficult.

Our team provides specialized care for patients living with advanced arthritis, helping them explore private surgical options when conservative treatments are no longer enough.

Conservative Treatments: The First Line of Defense

Surgery is never the first step in treating arthritis. Most patients begin with conservative therapies designed to reduce pain, improve joint function, and delay the need for surgery.

→ Treatment often starts with medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or joint injections to manage inflammation.

→ Physiotherapy and targeted exercise can strengthen the muscles around the joint, improving stability and mobility.

→ Lifestyle changes, including weight management, activity modification, and the use of assistive devices, also play an important role in relieving strain on affected joints.

For many people, these approaches are effective for a time. But when symptoms persist or progress despite your best efforts, it may be appropriate to explore surgical options for arthritis.

Not sure if it’s time for surgery?
You may benefit from speaking with a specialist.
Learn when to see an orthopaedic specialist for joint pain →

When Is Surgery for Arthritis the Right Next Step?

While conservative treatments can offer relief for months or even years, they aren’t always enough to stop arthritis from progressing. If you’re noticing persistent joint pain despite medications or physical therapy, it may be time to consider what comes next.

Some signs that surgery for arthritis might be appropriate include:

  • Chronic, unrelenting pain, even at rest or overnight.
  • Reduced range of motion or significant joint stiffness.
  • Visible joint changes, including deformity or instability.
  • Loss of mobility, such as struggling to walk, drive, or climb stairs.
  • Disrupted sleep, difficulty getting comfortable, or pain flares that wake you up.
  • Diminished independence, where arthritis affects your ability to work, care for yourself, or enjoy your usual routines.

If you’ve gone through non-surgical treatments like medications, injections, or physiotherapy without lasting relief, it may indicate that your arthritis has progressed to a point where surgical treatment is the more effective option.

Surgery is a decision made carefully and collaboratively. If several of these signs feel familiar, speaking with one of our specialists can help you understand your options and plan your next move with confidence.

Types of Surgery for Arthritis: What Are Your Options?

When arthritis reaches an advanced stage, surgery may help restore joint function and relieve pain that no longer responds to conservative treatment. There are a number of surgical options to treat arthritis, including:

✓ Joint replacement (arthroplasty): The most common approach, where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This is often done for hips, knees, and shoulders.

✓ Joint resurfacing: A bone-conserving option, such as hip resurfacing, that may be suitable for younger patients with good bone quality.

✓ Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure sometimes used to clean or smooth the joint surface. While not a long-term solution for advanced arthritis, it can provide short-term relief in specific cases.

The best surgical option depends on the type of arthritis, the joint involved, and your goals for mobility and activity. A consultation can help you understand which path fits your needs.

Is Surgery for Arthritis Right for You?

Choosing surgery for arthritis relief is a deeply personal decision and one that depends on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals for the future.

Start by asking yourself:

  • Am I in pain even when resting or sleeping?
  • Have daily tasks like dressing, driving, or cooking become harder?
  • Have medications or physiotherapy stopped providing relief?
  • Is joint stiffness limiting my independence or mobility?
  • Am I putting off activities I used to enjoy?

If you answered “yes” to several of these, a surgical consultation can help clarify your options. Our team is here to offer expert guidance so you can make a confident decision based on your needs and timeline.

Talk to Gateway About Surgery for Arthritis

Considering surgery can feel like a big leap, but the first step is simply a conversation. Our team works with patients who’ve exhausted non-surgical options and need clarity about what comes next.

Whether you're ready for the next step or simply exploring your options, we’re here to provide clarity, support, and timely access to expert arthritis care.

Schedule a consultation with Gateway Surgery to explore your arthritis surgery options.