What does Dr. Eskildsen specialize in?

Dr. Eskildsen specializes in total joint replacement and reconstruction of the hip and knee, including direct anterior hip replacement, partial knee replacement, and complex revision surgeries.

Where did Dr. Eskildsen complete his fellowship?

Dr. Eskildsen completed his fellowship in adult reconstruction of the hip and knee at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Is Dr. Eskildsen board certified?

Yes, Dr. Eskildsen is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and the American Orthopaedic Association.

Where does Dr. Eskildsen perform surgery?

Dr. Eskildsen performs surgery at UNC REX Hospital and the Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center, both located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Eskildsen?

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Eskildsen by calling Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic at (919) 781-5600 or by booking online at raleighortho.com.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a progressive degenerative condition affecting the cartilage within your joints. As the protective cartilage lining the joint surfaces gradually wears away, the underlying bones begin to make direct contact, causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Arthritis of the hip and knee is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and functional impairment in adults in the United States, and it becomes increasingly prevalent with age.

There are several forms of arthritis that commonly affect the hip and knee joints. Osteoarthritis — the most common type — develops as a result of normal wear and tear over time. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop following a fracture, ligament injury, or prior joint surgery. Inflammatory forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, occur when the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining, leading to ongoing inflammation and accelerated cartilage deterioration.

Common symptoms of hip and knee arthritis include: deep, aching joint pain that worsens with activity or after prolonged rest; morning stiffness that gradually improves with movement; swelling and warmth around the joint; a grinding or clicking sensation during movement; and progressive loss of range of motion. If left untreated, arthritis can significantly limit your ability to perform daily activities and reduce your overall quality of life.

At this time, arthritis cannot be reversed or cured. Once cartilage within the joint is lost, it does not regenerate on its own. However, early intervention and appropriate management can significantly slow the progression of the disease and help preserve joint function. Dr. Eskildsen focuses on developing individualized treatment plans designed to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and maintain your ability to stay active.

Current treatment strategies for hip and knee arthritis range from conservative to surgical, depending on the severity of your condition and the degree to which it affects your daily life. Ongoing medical research continues to explore regenerative approaches — including biologics and cartilage restoration techniques — though no treatment has yet been shown to fully restore damaged articular cartilage in clinical practice.

can i make it worse

While arthritis naturally tends to progress over time, the rate of progression varies considerably from person to person. High-impact activities and repetitive joint stress can accelerate cartilage breakdown, but this does not mean patients should avoid all physical activity. In fact, regular low-impact exercise — such as swimming, cycling, or walking — helps maintain the strength of the muscles surrounding the joint, reduces stiffness, and supports overall joint health.

Dr. Eskildsen advises patients to remain as active as their symptoms allow. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also an important factor, as excess weight places additional stress on the hips and knees, accelerating joint wear. Our team will help you identify an activity level and lifestyle modifications that support your long-term joint health without unnecessarily accelerating the condition.

what can be done

Effective management of arthritis focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and preserving quality of life. Dr. Eskildsen takes a stepwise approach to treatment, beginning with the least invasive options and advancing only when necessary. Non-surgical treatments — including oral anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), activity modification, weight management, the use of an assistive device, targeted physical therapy, and corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections — can provide meaningful relief for many patients.

When conservative measures are no longer sufficient to control symptoms, surgical options may be considered. For advanced hip or knee arthritis, total joint replacement is one of the most successful procedures in orthopedic surgery, consistently demonstrating excellent long-term outcomes in pain relief, function restoration, and patient satisfaction. Dr. Eskildsen will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy based on the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your personal goals.