Wellstar Physicians Named as “Top Doctors” in Atlanta Magazine’s 2021 List

For many of us, the golden years are a time to look forward to—an opportunity to travel, spend time in the garden, play with grandchildren or finally perfect our golf swing. However, chronic joint pain can quickly turn these anticipated moments into daily struggles. When a stiff hip makes getting out of the car an ordeal or a throbbing knee turns a simple walk around the neighborhood into a painful chore, it significantly impacts your quality of life.

It’s a common misconception that severe joint pain is an inevitable part of getting older that must be endured. While wear-and-tear on our bodies is natural, living in constant discomfort is not. Fortunately, modern orthopedic advancements offer powerful solutions, including total hip and knee replacements, to help you reclaim your mobility and independence. But how do you know when it is time to move past temporary fixes and consider a joint replacement?

Recognizing the warning signs

In the early stages of joint degradation—often caused by osteoarthritis—minor lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter pain relievers or occasional ice packs might keep the discomfort at bay. However, as the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, the bone-on-bone friction can worsen.

It may be time to consult an orthopedic specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain during everyday activities: If walking, bending down or climbing stairs causes significant distress, your joint health is actively limiting your daily life.
• Pain that disrupts your sleep: Waking up in the night due to a throbbing hip or knee is a strong indicator that the inflammation has become severe.
• Rest and medication no longer offer relief: If physical therapy, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications are no longer moving the needle, the joint may be structurally compromised.
• A noticeable loss of mobility or chronic stiffness: Finding it difficult to put on your shoes, cross your legs or fully straighten your knee suggests advanced joint deterioration.

Modern approach to care

Breast health is an important part of every woman’s overall wellness. Routine breast cancer screening and timely evaluation of breast concerns can lead to earlier detection, more treatment options and improved outcomes. At Wellstar, we are committed to helping women feel informed and empowered throughout every stage of their breast health journey.

Catch cancer early

Regular screening mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop. If you’re at average risk of developing breast cancer, you should start annual mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your care team may recommend starting earlier and will help you create a screening plan.

In addition to annual screening, our team helps women understand their individual breast cancer risk and personal screening recommendations. Whether you are coming in for a routine screening, evaluation of a breast symptom or guidance regarding elevated cancer risk, our goal is to provide compassionate, expert care.

Care for benign conditions and cancer

Our breast health specialists provide evaluation and treatment for a range of breast conditions, from common benign concerns to newly diagnosed breast cancer. We understand that any breast abnormality can create anxiety, and we work closely with you to provide clear communication and individualized care plans.

We treat many benign breast conditions, including:

• Breast cysts 
• Fibroadenomas 
• Breast pain 
• Dense breasts
• Nipple discharge 
• Breast infections and abscesses 
• High-risk and atypical breast lesions 

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, we provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care and guide you through each step of diagnosis, treatment and beyond. We also care for women who are considered high-risk for breast cancer, including those with significant family histories, prior high-risk breast lesions or inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes. Our team works closely with you to develop personalized surveillance and risk-reduction strategies tailored to your individual needs.

Advanced breast surgical care

At Wellstar, women have access to advanced breast surgical care delivered with a focus on precision, safety and cosmetic outcomes whenever possible. We offer procedures to diagnose and treat breast conditions using evidence-based surgical techniques.

Our surgical services include:

• In-office ultrasound-guided breast biopsies 
• Excisional breast biopsies 
• Duct excisions 
• Partial mastectomies (lumpectomies)
• Sentinel lymph node biopsies and targeted axillary dissections 
• Mastectomies with flat aesthetic closures
• Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies 
• Breast reconstruction in collaboration with plastic surgery specialists

We aim to streamline care and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. If you require breast cancer surgery, our surgeons utilize best-in-class techniques designed to achieve excellent oncologic outcomes while also preserving appearance and quality of life.

Patient-centered approach to breast care

We believe exceptional breast care goes beyond medical treatment alone. Everyone deserves compassionate, personalized care in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged and concerns are heard.

From the first consultation through follow-up care, our team is dedicated to helping you feel comfortable, informed and confident in your care plan. We recognize that navigating breast concerns or a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. We strive to make the process as seamless as possible through coordinated care, patient education and ongoing support.

Learn more about breast surgery at Wellstar.