Joint pain, specifically knee pain, affects thousands of people around the world; and osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee pain. If you have arthritis or have endured a traumatic knee injury, you may be a candidate for a total knee replacement. Before making the decision to get knee surgery, it’s important to speak directly with an orthopedist about the process, risks, and benefits. Total knee replacement surgery is typically a last resort when non-invasive treatment approaches have been unsuccessful. If you've tried a variety of treatments for your knee pain and you're not seeing results, it may be time to visit an orthopedist to talk about the possibility of a total knee replacement.
Here are some common signs that you may need knee replacement surgery:
Your pain persists or recurs over time
You have difficulty moving and performing daily activities
Your knee aches during and after exercise
Medication and using a cane aren’t delivering enough relief
Your knee stiffens up from sitting
You feel pain in rainy weather
The pain prevents you from sleeping
You feel a decrease in knee motion or are unable to bend or move your knee
Your knees are stiff or swollen
You have difficulty walking or climbing stairs
You have difficulty getting in and out of chairs, bathtubs, etc.
You feel a grating or grinding of your joints
You’ve had a previous injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of your knee
Knee replacement surgery—also known as knee arthroplasty—can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. Knee replacement surgery is a routine surgery performed on more than 600,000 people worldwide each year; and more than 90% of people who have had total knee replacement surgery have experienced improved knee function and reduced joint pain.
Before determining whether a knee total replacement is right for you, an orthopedic surgeon thoroughly assesses your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength using a variety of examinations and physical tests. The orthopedist will also analyze X-rays; the X-rays will help determine the extent of damage, as well as the size and shape of your knee. Your doctor can then choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.
It usually takes 3-6 weeks to recover from knee replacement surgery, but everyone’s recovery time and progress can differ. After your recovery, you may be able to engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or biking. However, you should avoid higher impact activities, such as running, skiing, and tennis. It’s imperative you speak directly to your doctor about your post-surgery physical limitations and expectations.
For most patients, a total knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility, and an overall better quality of life. Knee replacement surgery can reduce joint pain and allow you to be more active, and most knee replacements can be expected to last more than 15 years. Before making any decisions, it’s important to remember to always consult a doctor regarding medical treatment.
For more information about knee replacement surgery including Conformis knee replacement, contact our knowledgeable staff today at Empire Surgical Solutions.