Joint pain is widespread. Aches and pains in the joints send millions of Americans to the doctor each year. But is joint replacement always the answer?

The short answer is no. But the reasons are varied. Many people who experience joint pain and other symptoms affecting the joints can benefit from a joint replacement procedure.

If you're experiencing joint pain, your medical provider can help you determine a treatment plan that suits your individual needs. Here are the answers to some common questions about joint replacement.

A: Joint replacement surgery is for people experiencing joint-related symptoms that require more than just pain medication or physical therapy.

Someone with a damaged joint may benefit from a joint replacement. This includes those with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, or injuries such as a rotator cuff tear that affects the shoulder joint.

In general, joint replacement surgery is considered when joint pain and other symptoms, such as swelling or stiffness, negatively affect a person's quality of life or disrupt normal daily activities.

A: Each year, more than 1.24 million hip and knee replacements are performed in the United States. During a joint replacement procedure, the damaged joint or part of the joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one. Multiple types of joint replacements vary in whether the whole joint is replaced.

Total joint replacement is exactly what it sounds like – the entire joint is replaced. Total knee arthroplasty is an example of this type of procedure. In some cases, only part of the joint is replaced. For example, a partial knee replacement would replace only the damaged portion of the knee joint.

A: While joint replacement is often the best solution for alleviating joint-related symptoms, it isn't the only option. You can work with your medical provider to determine a plan that will help you reduce symptoms and relieve pain.

The plan can include a range of options, including over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Working with physical therapists can improve your range of motion and help you learn ways to adapt your daily routines to put less pressure on your joints.

You may also find relief from changing your diet and exercise routine. Eating a primarily plant-based diet supplemented with healthy fats and whole grains can help reduce the inflammation that causes joint pain and swelling.

While exercise is likely the last thing on your mind when you're experiencing joint pain, it's actually beneficial. For optimal joint health, keep moving, but avoid high-impact workouts and choose joint-friendly options like swimming instead.

While these treatment options may help temporarily alleviate your symptoms, most joint pain occurs due to degenerative diseases, which worsen over time. Not replacing the joint can also cause additional discomfort as your muscles and other body parts try to adapt and accommodate a damaged joint.

If your joint pain worsens or disrupts your daily life, a joint replacement procedure is the only option to fix the damage.