Top reasons to opt for knee replacement surgeries
If you experience consistent knee pain, which does not go away with medicine and other treatment options, you may have to consider knee replacement surgery. If your knee pain affects your life quality and hampers your regular activities, it’s time to discover the other options. For most individuals, knee surgery is a scary term. However, there are situations where you must consider this option because of its long-lasting results.
What is knee replacement surgeries?
Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a common surgical procedure to relieve the pain and disability from severe knee damage. The damage is most often caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that wears away the cartilage of the knee.
As per a study published in NCBI (National Centre for Biotechnology Information), every year, over 700,000 people in the United States undergo knee replacement surgery. The number is only increasing with time.
Types of knee replacement surgeries
Total knee replacement: In this type of surgery, your surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage surfaces of your shinbone and thighbone that form the knee joint. He/she will also resurface your kneecap.
Partial knee replacement: In this type, only the damaged cartilage in your knee is removed and resurfaced.
Knee cap replacement: Also called patellofemoral replacement, this type is done to relieve pain in the front of your knee, caused by arthritis in the knee cap.
Have you opted for other options?
Before going for surgery, you must ask yourself whether you have tried other options or not. Before the doctor recommends surgery, they usually recommend other options like medication, exercise, weight management, etc. However, surgery is the only alternative left before you if you have tried every other option without relief.
Ask yourself a few questions that are listed below?
- Is knee pain keeping you up all night?
- Do you face trouble while walking?
- Do you experience pain when you sit or stand up?
- Can you go upstairs?
- Do you feel that over-the-counter medicines are not helping?
If your answer is yes, you have to go for a surgical procedure. If your medical practitioner recommends the process, it is worth seeking this option.
Knee replacement is safe and valuable
Knee replacement surgery is the most common process for individuals experiencing pain and inflammation of all the surgeries you have heard about. Every year, more than 7,00,000 patients go for knee replacement surgery world-across. If you want to improve your mobility, life quality, and overall health, you may consider this option. It is because of the following reasons:
- Knee replacement surgery is successful in over 90% of cases. These individuals say they have improved mobility and pain relief from the surgery.
- Most individuals return to active life and enjoy their normal activities without any problem.
Less than 2% of individuals experience a severe complication.
If your medical practitioners suggest surgery, you have to be clear about every aspect.
Recovery time
Recovery time differs from one person to the other. It depends upon the cause and severity of the condition. When you meet an expert team of surgeons at QC Kinetix (Chattanooga) for the first time, you must ask them about the recovery time and the necessary changes you have to make in life. You have to make some changes in your lifestyle and food habits to reduce the timeline for recovery. It does not take more than 2 to 3 weeks in most cases.
If staying active is critical for good health, you have to undergo knee replacement surgery. Remember that knee surgery has multiple health benefits. It reduces pain and ensures an easy and active life. It will help you enjoy your exercise session with ease and better manage your cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and other health conditions. Moreover, knee replacement surgery does not have any risk. Thus, it is the safest and most common method used to check mobility for most individuals. If you have insurance, you can use the same to cover the surgery’s expenses. Almost every insurance company covers the costs of knee replacement surgeries. Hence, there is nothing to bother.
Let us explore some of the top reasons that may necessitate opting for knee replacement surgery.
- When There is Too Much Damage
The first reason to go for knee replacement surgery is when there is too much damage in your knees, and it cannot be repaired. The specialists will only recommend this procedure when all other options have failed, and your knee pain has become unbearable.
- When You Have Arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis, it means that the cartilage in your knee joint is gradually wearing out. Once the cartilage wears out completely, it will result in bone-on-bone contact, which is extremely painful. In such a case, knee replacement surgery can help to reduce the pain and improve your mobility.
- When You Have a Fractured Knee
If you have suffered a serious injury to your knee, which has resulted in a fracture, you may require knee replacement surgery to fix the damage. In some cases, the damage may be so severe that it cannot be repaired with any other treatment option.
- When You Have Knee Instability
If you have a condition called knee instability, it means that your knee joint is not able to support your body weight properly. This can be extremely painful and may make it difficult for you to walk or stand for long periods of time. In such cases, knee replacement surgery can help to improve your condition and quality of life.
- When You Have Severe Knee Pain
If you experience severe knee pain that does not go away with other treatment options, you may have to consider knee replacement surgery. The pain may be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities and makes it difficult for you to live a normal life.
Knee replacement surgery is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. However, if you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned conditions, it may be the best option for you. Be sure to consult with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine if knee replacement surgery is right for you.
Things to do to prepare for the procedure and ensure a successful outcome
If you and your doctor have decided that knee surgery is the best option for you, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the procedure and ensure a successful outcome. Here are a few tips:
- Quit smoking
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery. Talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program that can help you quit before your procedure.
- Lose weight
If you are overweight or obese, losing even a few pounds can improve your outcome and help you recover more quickly. Work with your doctor on a weight loss plan in the months leading up to your surgery.
- Get active
Being physically active can help improve your range of motion and muscle strength, both of which are important for a successful outcome. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that can help you get in shape before surgery.
- Attend a pre-operative class
Most hospitals offer pre-operative classes for patients who are about to undergo knee surgery. These classes can help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
- Meet with your surgeon
Before you have surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss the details of the procedure. This is a good time to ask questions and express any concerns you may have.
- Arrange for help at home
You will need someone to help you around the house after your surgery. Make arrangements with family and friends in advance so that you have the support you need when you come home.
Knee surgery is a big decision, but it can be a life-changing one. If you are considering knee surgery, talk to your doctor about all of your options and what you can do to prepare for the procedure. With the right preparation and support, you can ensure a successful outcome.
Other options you can try before surgery
1.Massage therapy
Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment that can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion in the knee. It is important to find a therapist who is experienced in treating people with knee injuries.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Some research suggests that acupuncture may help to relieve pain and improve function in the knee.
- Physical therapy
Physical therapy involves exercises and other treatments that can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion and muscle strength. A physical therapist can create a customized program that is right for you.
- Weight loss
If you are overweight or obese, losing even a few pounds can help to reduce the stress on your knees and improve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan that is right for you.
- Bracing
A knee brace can help to stabilize the joint and protect it from further injury. There are many different types of braces available. Talk to your doctor about which type would be best for you.
- Injections
Corticosteroid injections can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee. There are also other types of injections, such as lubricating injections, that can help to relieve symptoms. Talk to your doctor about whether injections might be right for you.
- Arthroscopic surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to repair damage to the knee joint. It is often done as a outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day.
- Partial knee replacement
Partial knee replacement is a surgically procedure in which the damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial implants. It is less invasive than a full knee replacement and has a shorter recovery time.
- Full knee replacement
Full knee replacement is a surgically procedure in which the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial implants. It is a more invasive procedure than a partial knee replacement and has a longer recovery time.
- Rehabilitation
After any type of knee surgery, you will need to go through a rehabilitation process. This will involve physical therapy and exercises to help you regain strength and range of motion in your knee. The length of time you need to rehabilitate will depend on the type of surgery you had.
Map link- https://goo.gl/maps/cv1cqgXtqooJeqtH8
FAQ- Frequently asked question
How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?
Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery you have. Generally, you can expect to be in the hospital for 3-5 days after surgery. You will then need to go through a rehabilitation process, which can take several weeks or months. Full recovery from knee surgery can take up to a year.
What are the risks of knee surgery?
The risks of knee surgery include infection, blood clots, and problems with the artificial joint. There is also a risk of knee stiffness, which can be treated with physical therapy. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as nerve damage or paralysis.
How much does knee surgery cost?
The cost of knee surgery varies depending on the type of procedure you have. Generally, knee replacement surgery can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. Insurance companies typically cover a portion of the cost.
Can I avoid knee surgery?
In some cases, knee surgery can be avoided with nonsurgical treatments. However, if your pain is severe or if you have damage to the joint, surgery may be the only option. Talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options.
What are the long-term effects of knee surgery?
The long-term effects of knee surgery depend on the type of procedure you have. Generally, knee replacement surgery is considered to be safe and effective with a low risk of complications. Most people are able to return to their normal activities after surgery. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as infection or blood clots.
