You may be wondering when enough is enough if you’ve been struggling with knee
pain, stiffness, or mobility problems for a while. You want to have fun with your
grandchildren. You want to take a tennis match. You desire a pain-free existence. But
is a knee replacement truly necessary? A knee replacement surgery can be a great
alternative to help you back to living your best life when more conservative therapies
have failed. It has a high percentage of success and is often regarded as safe.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 15 years after
surgery, more than 90% of contemporary knee replacements are still performing
well. According to our observations, many of our patients express the wish that they
had replaced their knees sooner. However, choosing to have a knee replacement is a
major choice. The first stage is determining whether you are a strong candidate.
Are you a candidate for knee replacement surgery then? Five indications that it might
be time to see your doctor are covered here.
Non-surgical approaches for therapy are no longer effective
It may have been as easy as reaching for a few ibuprofen, using an ice pack, or
taking a hot bath to provide long-lasting comfort from your knee pain when it
initially started. These homemade cures may have begun to lose their potency
with time, though. The good news is that there are more non-surgical
treatments for knee pain, some of which you have probably already tried, such
as physical therapy, cortisone injections, ortho biologics, or weight loss.
According to us, the first step in assisting you in getting rid of your knee pain
is developing a personalised treatment plan that incorporates a combination
of these therapies. According to our experience, surgery is not often the first or
only option for treating knee discomfort. These non-surgical treatments,
however, can eventually lose their ability to relieve pain or promote recovery.
For instance, although a cortisone injection once provided you with relief for
at least six months, you are now lucky to get only a few weeks of respite. Or
perhaps your mobility has gotten worse, making physical therapy and exercise
more uncomfortable on a daily any of this rings a bell, it might be time to
bring up knee replacement surgery.
You’re experiencing more consistent and severe knee pain
After a lengthy vehicle journey or a long day on our feet, we all experience an
odd twinge in our knees. While bothersome, this is very normal, and the
symptoms often subside practically immediately after they start. However,
experiencing mild or severe knee discomfort is not typical. The aggravation of
joint wear and tear may be indicated by this bothersome and disruptive knee
discomfort. Additionally, knee replacement surgery and recuperation might
become more challenging the more worn down your joint becomes.
Don’t ignore knee discomfort if it persists or worsens over time or becomes more common. There may be some extra non-surgical therapies that can assist, as we have indicated. You may also plan your knee replacement surgery
so that you receive the maximum benefit from it if you and your doctor determine that you are a candidate for one.
- You’re finding it harder to move about
As you age, it’s typical to experience some loss of joint flexibility. However,
chronic knee stiffness that limits your movement may be an indication of a
more serious knee issue. The fact that losing mobility might affect more than
just your capacity to move about is one of the most crucial things to keep in
mind in this situation. Inactivity raises when mobility declines. Additionally,
your muscular strength and joint function may deteriorate the less you move.
You may not benefit fully from a knee replacement if you lose too much
strength and function because your body may not be able to heal as efficiently. - Your knee begins to swell.
Your knee’s cartilage acts as a cushion against pressure and friction brought
on by movement and walking. The cartilage around your knee may deteriorate
as a result of knee disorders, such as osteoarthritis. Inflammation and
discomfort are both symptoms of arthritis. Additionally, knee inflammation
might cause it to enlarge. Don’t ignore knee swelling if it occurs frequently or
consistently. Your discomfort may be becoming worse or you may have
movement problems, to start. Additionally, chronic or recurrent knee swelling
may indicate cartilage degradation, which can result in further wear and
strain. - Daily tasks are getting harder to do
It’s typical to put off going to the shop until tomorrow since you’re still sore
after working out. But it’s not typical to experience continuous knee
discomfort that makes it difficult to do daily tasks. What does the term
“everyday activities” mean? Start by paying attention if you find it harder and
harder to stand up, sit down, or climb stairs without discomfort, stiffness, or
help. Don’t wait to obtain the care you need if your pain and lack of movement
have gotten worse and you’re having trouble with everyday tasks like getting
dressed or going to the shop, or if you’re starting to entirely avoid them.
Whatever your interests, speak with a skilled orthopaedic specialist if you find
yourself holding back or avoiding the activities you enjoy. DR.
VIKAS MEHRA is the best knee replacement surgeon in Chandigarh
and an expert in working with patients of various activity levels. His team
may work with you to develop a plan that suits your lifestyle, whether you wish to
resume cross-country skiing or dog walking.
Do you recognise the symptoms of a knee replacement operation? Then it could be
appropriate to take an appointment now!