When to have Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Many of us have creaky knees, especially as we get older. But how do you tell when your aches and pains are caused by achy joints and when they indicate more serious issues that may require surgery?
Here are some signs that you might want to consider total knee replacement surgery in the near future, as well as some things to know about the process, according to our hip and knee replacement surgeon Dr Muthana Sartawi.
Signs you need a Total Knee Replacement
Long-term pain that isn’t getting any better
If you’ve tried exercise, physical therapy, and pain medication without success, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery. Pain is relieved in 90-95 percent of younger patients after knee replacement surgery.
Arthritis that worsens with time
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis all affect the knee through different mechanisms; however, they all result in cartilage loss, which causes pain and loss of motion.
When these symptoms become acute, knee replacement surgery may provide significant symptom relief by replacing the worn-out knee surfaces.
You constantly have swollen and stiff knees
Do you have a sore, stiff, or swollen knee? A total knee replacement surgery can eliminate the discomfort and much of the damaged, inflamed tissue that leads to stiffness and swelling inside your knee.
When you rest, your knee hurts
Most knee pain worsens when you walk, run, or exercise with your knee. However, if your knee hurts even when you aren’t using it, you may require surgery to treat moderate or severe pain.
Knee discomfort is hindering your daily activities
When persistent knee pain becomes a barrier to your daily activities, it may be an indicator that total knee replacement is the right solution. This procedure can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and help you regain your active lifestyle. If knee discomfort is impeding your day-to-day routines, it’s advisable to consult with a knee expert to explore the potential benefits of total knee replacement as a transformative option for your well-being.
Your knee has developed a deformity
If your arthritis is advanced, it can affect how you walk, which can lead to other issues in your body.
Your knee may become bowed or ‘knock-kneed’ as arthritis progresses. If this type of deformity persists, a knee replacement may be necessary.
Furthermore, people suffering from arthritis may lose the ability to straighten their knees. If this happens, you should see an orthopedic surgeon right away because the loss of motion may be permanent, even after the knee surgery.
You’ve suffered a knee injury
Surgery may be an option if your leg is deformed due to an injury or if you were born with a deformity. Knee replacement surgery can repair deformed knee joints and restore their normal function.
Nonsurgical treatments no longer work
If you have knee arthritis, you’ll probably start with more conservative measures to relieve your symptoms, such as medications, steroid injections, or physiotherapy. However, they may not be sufficient at some point.
Anti-inflammatories, injections, and physical therapy provide temporary pain relief but do not treat the underlying cause of the pain and do not allow cartilage to regenerate. This may necessitate you to undergo a total knee replacement surgery procedure.
Also Read: Life after Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Other reasons why you may need a total knee replacement
Age Factor
Knee replacement is typically performed on people over the age of 60, in part because younger people’s more active lifestyles may place too much stress or pressure on the artificial knee, causing it to wear out sooner; second replacement surgeries may be less successful. However, depending on your individual case, knee replacements can be performed on people of all ages, so talk to your doctor about whether you’re a good candidate.
Also Read: Your Guide For Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
You want long-term relief
Artificial knee joints keep functioning fine for nine out of ten people twenty years after surgery. Your age and level of physical activity may have an impact on how well your artificial knee joint works over time. Artificial joints, for example, typically last longer in older, less active people. However, artificial joints provide long-term benefits.
Note: You must have realistic expectations
Understanding what the procedure can and cannot do is critical in deciding whether to have total knee replacement surgery.
Most people who have total knee replacement surgery report a significant reduction in knee pain. They have also experienced improvement in their ability to perform daily activities, as the artificial knee can last up to 15 to 25 years. However, total knee replacement will not allow you to do anything more than you could before developing arthritis.
Every knee replacement implant begins to wear in its plastic spacer with normal use and activity. Excessive activity or weight may hasten this normal wear, causing the knee replacement to loosen and become painful.
Also Read: What is the recovery time for knee replacement?
Are you experiencing severe knee issues? – Consult Dr. Muthana Sartawi for total knee replacement surgery
If you are suffering from severe knee issues and have not found relief with other treatments, it may be time to consider total knee replacement surgery. Dr Muthana Sartawi is a highly skilled and experienced orthopedic knee surgeon who can provide you with the best possible care and treatment for your knee pain. With his expertise and personalized approach, he can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
Don’t let knee problems hold you back any longer – schedule a consultation with Dr. Sartawi today to discuss if total knee replacement surgery is right for you.
