If you suffer from chronic knee pain, then rest assured.
Orthopedic knee replacement surgery may just be the thing to getting you back leading
a full and active life.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
(AAOS), “Total knee replacements are one of the most successful procedures in
all of medicine.” In fact, joint replacement surgery is quite common and is
performed on more than 600,000 people in the United States each year. About 90%
of those patients no longer have pain and can enjoy an increase in mobility.
Osteoarthritis – the “wear and tear” of bone cartilage that
cushions the bones within the joint – is the most common cause for knee
replacement. Osteoarthritis leads to bones rubbing against one another resulting
in chronic knee pain, swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis (the
inflammation and thickening of the synovial membrane surrounding the joint) and
post-traumatic arthritis (due to a serious knee injury) can be contributing
factors.
It may be time to talk with your orthopedic surgeon about knee
replacement surgery options if you are experiencing any of the following long-term
symptoms (6 months or more):
- · Chronic pain despite anti-inflammatory medication
- · Difficulty sleeping
- · Decreased mobility
- · Excruciating pain when weight is placed on knee joint
- · Decreased range of motion
- · Trouble getting in and out of sitting positions
- · Swollen or stiff knee joints which last up to 30 minutes
- · Pain and discomfort during rainy weather
- · Relying on canes and walkers for mobility
Keep in mind that the primary goal of treatment is to get
you back to leading a full life as quickly as possible. Orthopedic surgeons
first aim for more conservative treatment plans which can include weight loss
strategies, pain killers, cortisone or Hyaluronic Acid injections, braces and
routine physical therapy. However, if these treatments prove ineffective at
eliminating the pain and discomfort, then joint replacement surgery will be
recommended.
Together, you and your orthopedic surgeon can discuss knee
surgery options. Of course, the risk of infection, substantial bone loss or
decreased bone strength will be taken into consideration before orthopedic
surgery option is presented.
Total knee replacement surgery is a great solution for
patients who have tried – without success – other noninvasive treatments. The
AAOS notes that a majority of patients
who experience total knee replacement are between the ages of 50 to 80.
However, knee replacements have been performed successfully on patients of all
ages.
Total knee replacement surgery removes the cartilage and
bone on the ends of the femur and tibia. Usually a metal prosthesis is
implanted in the knee joint. Depending on the condition of the kneecap cartilage,
the surface may be replaced.
Most likely, your surgeon will discharge you at least two
days after your orthopedic surgery. You will be able to stand and walk, with
assistance, the day after surgery. Keep
in mind that experiencing a complete range of motion is unusual and largely
depends on the range of motion you had prior to surgery. However, most post-surgery
patients are able to climb stairs, garden and get in and out of a vehicle within
weeks of their total knee replacement surgery.
In total knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon
will give you at-home instructions to prevent blood clots, infection and falls.
These include post-operative care for your stitches/staples as well as dietary
guidelines and physiotherapy exercises. You can expect to get back to your
normal activities within 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Some discomfort is to be
expected within a few weeks after surgery, but you can assume to get a new
lease on a pain-free life within a month after the knee replacement surgery.
Say “goodbye” to chronic knee pain and say “hello” to
increased mobility with safe and affordable orthopedic surgery options from MedToGo
International. Contact us today.
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