Have you had significant chronic knee pain for several years that persists even when not active? If so, you are not alone, hundreds of Americans struggle with chronic knee pain leading 1 in 10 out of Americans to seek surgery for relief. At INSERT PRACTICE NAME, we are proud to offer knee replacement surgery for patients who are wanting to get rid of pain and take control of their lives.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery, even though a common procedure, is a serious decision and should only be considered as the last form of treatment once conversation options have failed to provide adequate results after several months of treatment.
Signs you may need to consider surgery can include:
- Severe knee pain or stiffness that limits your ability to perform daily activities
- Moderate to severe pain even while resting
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling
Patients with chronic and severe symptoms of arthritis in the knee may also benefit from surgery.
The knee is made up of three parts: the femur, the tibia, and the patella. During your consultation and examination, tests may show that only one compartment is damaged and affected. If so, your doctor may recommend a partial knee replacement. If the test results find that multiple parts of your knee are damaged, then total knee replacement may be the ideal treatment option.
What is a Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves removing all the damaged and affected parts of the knee joint and replaces them with metal parts. On the day of your surgery, anesthesia will be given for patient comfort during the procedure.
During the procedure, the damaged or diseased cartilage and bones are removed. These pieces are then replaced with metal components, positioned, and secured to re-create your knee joint. Your patella is then resurfaced, and a spacer is placed to create a smooth gliding surface so that your knee can move and function properly.
Recovery
After your surgery, you may be asked to stay a while so that our team can monitor your vital signs and pain level. In some cases, we may require you to stay overnight, but many of our patients are able to return home afterward.
Before your surgery, you should arrange for transportation to and from our office and prepare your home for your recovery. We strongly encourage patients to use an aide, family member, or friend to help around the house during the first few weeks of recovery. Instructions will be given on how to manage your pain with medication and prevent swelling and blood clots with compression garments.
Remember to rest when tired, but to also move your foot and ankle frequently to maintain blood flow. After some time, we will also teach you certain exercises to help strengthen your knee and schedule physical therapy sessions so that you can get back on your feet.
It is important to note that for most patients, recovery can take six months to a year before your knee can regain full function. Most knee implants can last 15-20 years or longer with proper care. Patients may continue to feel minor pain after surgery but should have significantly lessened discomfort and should be able to return to high-level activities with little to no problem.
Waiting to have surgery can continue to affect your quality of life as the pain continues to consume your day-to-day life. If your knee is severely damaged by injury or arthritis, we are here to find the right treatment option for you. For more information on knee replacement surgery or to schedule an appointment, contact Ashvin K. Dewan, MD today at (281) 690-4678.