Frequently Asked Questions
We've heard your questions and comments and we have the answers! We are updating as we go!
There are sometimes extremely long waits at the office to see the physician. Why is that?
Unfortunately, predicting the amount of time a patient needs to spend with a surgeon is very difficult. New patient problems can range from ankle sprains to complex revisions of total joints placed 20 years ago. We can't predict what we will see in the office and try to schedule accordingly. We assure you our doctors never stop working in the office and will always spend the amount of time YOU need and address every question you have. NEVER hesitate to ask more questions. If you feel like questions weren't answered thoroughly during your visit, please let us know at checkout and we will make sure those final questions are answered!
My joint hurts after my cortisone shot. What do I do?
Cortisone shots typically cause no pain afterwards, however, a small percentage of people experience a severe reaction to the cortisone. There is some good news though! When severe pain after a cortisone shot does occur, it typically lasts for 24-72 hours after the injection and nearly always goes away. Your joint may become red, warm, and more painful than it did prior to the injection. To reduce the likelihood of having the reaction, ice your affected joint for 20 minutes, then remove the ice. Wait 20 minutes then re-apply. Remember to never put ice directly on your skin as this can burn you.
I ran out of narcotic pain medication and it is after 5PM on Friday evening. What do I do?
Georgia law does not allow physicians to call pharmacies to prescribe narcotics (Norco, Lortab, Percocet). Please pay close attention to your pain medications and how much remain. Contact us and allow 48 hours to process your call and get your prescription. We do not want you to suffer, so please help us by staying on top of when you need a refill. General advice for pain relief is to use over the counter Motrin OR Aleve, but not both. You also need to be careful taking Tylenol as most narcotic pain medications have Tylenol mixed in. Do not exceed 3-4 grams (3-4000 milligrams) of Tylenol per day.
How long after a total joint replacement will I need antibiotics for a dental procedure?
Usually for the first year after surgery. Please call us or your dentist prior to any procedures so we can get you the appropriate antibiotics. The mouth has many bacteria that get into the blood stream during dental procedures. Bacteria can then pass into the joint and cause an infection.
My cast is too tight. What do I do?
During regular business hours, please call us immediately if you have numbness or tingling. During regular business hours, casts may be partially opened to allow swelling to occur in the office. If you find your foot or leg continues to feel swollen, a quick fix is to elevate the affected extremity. For your foot, lie on your back and place 3-4 pillows under the heel to elevate your foot above heart level. For hands, lie down on a flat surface and prop the affected arm on 3-4 pillows to put your hand above your heart level. Many people also find sitting on a couch with the elbow bent at 90* while resting it on the arm rest works as well. If these quick fixes don't work, please call our on-call physician. If it is a weekend, call the on-call physician and discuss with them. The ER is always an option, but to save time and money, please call us first!
Do you accept patients with no insurance?
Yes. Please call prior to discuss payment options and plans.
I have a fever that is just under 101.5*, do I need to do anything?
Every situation is different. After surgery, it is extremely common to have elevated temperatures up to 101.5* for 1-2 days. If a temperature persists, please call the on-call physician.
Why does the back of my hip usually hurt?
We hear this all the time. Differentiating between hip and back pain is difficult. As a general rule of thumb, pain that is in the buttocks and goes down the back of the leg is more likely related to the spine. Pain that is in the front of the hip (groin) tends to be more related to the hip.
How many hours prior to surgery do I need to stop eating?
As a general rule, 6-8 hours is the time needed to empty the stomach to avoid having an aspiration (regurgitation of food from the stomach into the lungs) which can lead to pneumonia. Generally you should not have any food or liquid after midnight the night before your surgery. This is true even if your case is scheduled in the early afternoon. Due to possible cancellations and last minute re-arrangements of the hospital schedule, you may have your surgery earlier than anticipated.
Do I have to take off my underwear if you are operating on my shoulder, knee, wrist, foot, or ankle?
No you do not! There is no need to remove underwear unless you are having surgery on your upper leg or hip.
There are sometimes extremely long waits at the office to see the physician. Why is that?
Unfortunately, predicting the amount of time a patient needs to spend with a surgeon is very difficult. New patient problems can range from ankle sprains to complex revisions of total joints placed 20 years ago. We can't predict what we will see in the office and try to schedule accordingly. We assure you our doctors never stop working in the office and will always spend the amount of time YOU need and address every question you have. NEVER hesitate to ask more questions. If you feel like questions weren't answered thoroughly during your visit, please let us know at checkout and we will make sure those final questions are answered!
My joint hurts after my cortisone shot. What do I do?
Cortisone shots typically cause no pain afterwards, however, a small percentage of people experience a severe reaction to the cortisone. There is some good news though! When severe pain after a cortisone shot does occur, it typically lasts for 24-72 hours after the injection and nearly always goes away. Your joint may become red, warm, and more painful than it did prior to the injection. To reduce the likelihood of having the reaction, ice your affected joint for 20 minutes, then remove the ice. Wait 20 minutes then re-apply. Remember to never put ice directly on your skin as this can burn you.
I ran out of narcotic pain medication and it is after 5PM on Friday evening. What do I do?
Georgia law does not allow physicians to call pharmacies to prescribe narcotics (Norco, Lortab, Percocet). Please pay close attention to your pain medications and how much remain. Contact us and allow 48 hours to process your call and get your prescription. We do not want you to suffer, so please help us by staying on top of when you need a refill. General advice for pain relief is to use over the counter Motrin OR Aleve, but not both. You also need to be careful taking Tylenol as most narcotic pain medications have Tylenol mixed in. Do not exceed 3-4 grams (3-4000 milligrams) of Tylenol per day.
How long after a total joint replacement will I need antibiotics for a dental procedure?
Usually for the first year after surgery. Please call us or your dentist prior to any procedures so we can get you the appropriate antibiotics. The mouth has many bacteria that get into the blood stream during dental procedures. Bacteria can then pass into the joint and cause an infection.
My cast is too tight. What do I do?
During regular business hours, please call us immediately if you have numbness or tingling. During regular business hours, casts may be partially opened to allow swelling to occur in the office. If you find your foot or leg continues to feel swollen, a quick fix is to elevate the affected extremity. For your foot, lie on your back and place 3-4 pillows under the heel to elevate your foot above heart level. For hands, lie down on a flat surface and prop the affected arm on 3-4 pillows to put your hand above your heart level. Many people also find sitting on a couch with the elbow bent at 90* while resting it on the arm rest works as well. If these quick fixes don't work, please call our on-call physician. If it is a weekend, call the on-call physician and discuss with them. The ER is always an option, but to save time and money, please call us first!
Do you accept patients with no insurance?
Yes. Please call prior to discuss payment options and plans.
I have a fever that is just under 101.5*, do I need to do anything?
Every situation is different. After surgery, it is extremely common to have elevated temperatures up to 101.5* for 1-2 days. If a temperature persists, please call the on-call physician.
Why does the back of my hip usually hurt?
We hear this all the time. Differentiating between hip and back pain is difficult. As a general rule of thumb, pain that is in the buttocks and goes down the back of the leg is more likely related to the spine. Pain that is in the front of the hip (groin) tends to be more related to the hip.
How many hours prior to surgery do I need to stop eating?
As a general rule, 6-8 hours is the time needed to empty the stomach to avoid having an aspiration (regurgitation of food from the stomach into the lungs) which can lead to pneumonia. Generally you should not have any food or liquid after midnight the night before your surgery. This is true even if your case is scheduled in the early afternoon. Due to possible cancellations and last minute re-arrangements of the hospital schedule, you may have your surgery earlier than anticipated.
Do I have to take off my underwear if you are operating on my shoulder, knee, wrist, foot, or ankle?
No you do not! There is no need to remove underwear unless you are having surgery on your upper leg or hip.