The 5 Dos and Don’ts of Managing Joint Health

Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center have begun treating patients using the new Gamma Knife Esprit, the latest state-of-the-art system for non-invasive treatment of neurological and oncologic conditions. The new technology provides patients with the gold standard for non-invasive brain tumor and cancer treatments, underscoring Wellstar and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center’s dedication to innovation and patient-centered care.

The Gamma Knife Esprit delivers highly precise radiation therapy—to within 0.15 millimeter accuracy—which allows physicians to better treat complex or previously inoperable conditions while preserving surrounding healthy brain matter without the need for traditional surgery. This advanced technology minimizes risk, reduces recovery times and offers hope to patients who may not be candidates for more traditional procedures.

“Bringing the Gamma Knife Esprit to Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area represents a transformative leap in neurosurgical care for our region,” said Dr. Fernando Vale, chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Wellstar MCG Health and the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University. “With its pinpoint accuracy, we can better treat complex brain conditions while further improving quality of life and reducing patient discomfort.”

Gamma Knife Esprit can target the smallest tumors and lesions with sub-millimeter precision— smaller than the size of a pencil tip—to treat brain lesions, tumors and vascular abnormalities without incisions or general anesthesia. This non-invasive approach results in shorter hospital stays, fewer side effects and faster recovery, making it a powerful resource for patients and their families.

Dr. John Barrett, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at MCG, added, “This technology allows us to provide effective, non-invasive treatment options for patients with brain tumors, vascular malformations and other neurological disorders. It’s a significant step forward for our patients and our clinical teams.”

“It is a privilege to serve our community by bringing leading-edge care to the CSRA,” said Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health. “This cutting-edge technology strengthens our Neuroscience Center of Excellence and Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center, but most importantly, it ensures that patients from across the region have access to world-class, non-invasive treatment options close to home.”

The addition of the Gamma Knife Esprit further reinforces Wellstar MCG Health’s position as a leader in advanced neurological and cancer care. Through continued investment in technology and partnerships, Wellstar MCG Health remains committed to excellence, innovation and the well-being of every patient we serve.

Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center is nearing completion and is scheduled to open Aug. 26. The six-story, 100-bed hospital is located at 5000 Gateway Blvd. in Grovetown.

“It’s phenomenal to get to this level of substantial completion with construction because it means we’re that much closer to increasing access to care across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA),” said Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center.

The new medical center expands healthcare services already offered in Augusta for more rural counties like McDuffie and provides additional learning opportunities for students at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Students will train using the latest technologies in healthcare.

A throbbing knee, a painful hand or an aching back are a few common musculoskeletal issues that make sufferers wonder: “Do I need surgery, physical therapy or a steroid shot?”

The answer isn’t always simple according to Dr. Joseph Burns, Wellstar chief musculoskeletal officer.

Many patients assume that the source of their pain is in the area where they feel it, and they may diagnose themselves or choose to “wait and see” what happens.

However, pain is a warning sign, not a GPS.

How do I know it’s time to see an orthopedist?

Your first stop for joint pain may be your primary care provider or an urgent care center. They may suggest rest, using ice or heat, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. They may also refer you to an orthopedic specialist.

It’s wise to see an orthopedic specialist when:

• Rest or initial treatment isn’t lessening the pain
• You feel numbness, tingling or weakness
• You’ve been injured at work, in an accident or while playing a sport
• Your ability to move is limited
• You had a previous injury in the affected area
• Pain has lasted more than a few weeks or is interfering with sleep

What to expect at an orthopedic exam

An orthopedic exam starts with a medical history, including medications, past surgeries and any health conditions. Your provider will then zero in on what’s causing your pain, asking questions such as:

• When did the pain start?
• Were you injured?
• What activities make the pain worse?
• What have you been doing to relieve the pain?

Next your provider will do a physical exam, checking for pain, tenderness, strength and range of motion, and may refer you for an imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI. This helps determine whether the pain is from structural damage, such as a break or sprain, or from a condition like arthritis, bursitis or tendonitis.

With a diagnosis in hand, your provider will discuss a treatment plan with you. Sometimes patients assume a visit to an orthopedist will put them on the fast track to the operating room. Not so, said Dr. Burns.

Most orthopedic care starts with nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory treatments and injections. Physical therapy can improve strength, flexibility and joint function, and in many cases, it can relieve pain without the need for surgical intervention. Surgery is a possible next step if those therapies fail or there is structural damage.

The risks of treating joint pain without an orthopedic evaluation

According to Dr. Burns it’s best not to put off getting an orthopedic evaluation and possibly second opinions. Misdiagnosis or starting the wrong treatment can delay healing and make underlying conditions worse.

Some patients who do their own research find a variety of options not supported by medical evidence. Those include cannabis-based (CBD) creams and stem cell treatments.

CBD can provide “a nice, moderate amount of relief,” said Dr. Burns. “Unfortunately, what we’ve seen is that those products help at first, but then less and less.”

Stem cells are in a class of biological treatments that are not FDA-approved for any orthopedic condition, such as arthritis or tendon injury. Treatments that are marketed as “stem cell therapy” typically use concentrated bone marrow aspirate, which contains very few true stem cells. Patients should ask their care team about stem cell therapies so that they can be properly educated and protect themselves before purchasing these expensive therapies.

Start with expert orthopedic care at Wellstar

Our orthopedic specialists deliver evidence-based care and personalized treatment plans. Wellstar patients have access to:

• Orthopedic specialists
• OrthoXpress for same-day urgent care
• Physical therapy
• State-of-the-art imaging
• Total joint care

To make an appointment, find a location near you.