Knee pain can significantly affect your quality of life, limiting your ability to perform routine activities and enjoy simply your day. Knee replacement surgery may be the best option to restore strength, mobility, and function and alleviate pain.
Let’s explore the signs which may indicate you need knee replacement surgery.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery–also known as knee arthroplasty–replaces damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components. Most joint components are made from high-tech metals and plastics, and many are custom-made to suit the individual joints.
Knee replacement surgery relieves pain and restores function, strength and balance in individuals with severe knee damage or degeneration. Knee joints may be compromised by injury from a fall, motor vehicle accident or sports mishap. However, most often, people seek treatment for knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that 365 million people across the globe have this “wear and tear” arthritis. Knees top the list of affected joints, followed by the hip joint and the hand.
The symptoms of OA develop when the protective cartilage which cushions the ends of the leg bones wears down over time. People experience knee pain, swelling and reduced mobility. Providers often describe OA as “bone on bone” arthritis.
In general, certain risk factors set the stage for knee arthritis. These risk factors include:
- Age (the senior population is particularly prone to OA)
- Gender (more women than men have it)
- Being overweight
- Playing high-impact sports, such as hockey or football, or engaging in repetitive motion activities, such as volleyball or tennis
- Getting a knee injury
Is Knee Replacement the Best Treatment for My Knee Pain?
Determining whether knee replacement surgery is the best option for your knee pain involves an in-depth evaluation with your orthopedic surgeon. Your provider will assess your symptoms, medical history, and prior treatments to tailor a personalized treatment plan.
Initial conservative treatments may include:
- Physical Therapy
- Cortisone or platelet-rich plasma Injections
- Over-the-counter medications
- Heat therapy
However, if these methods prove ineffective, knee replacement surgery may be the recommended course of action.
What Are Seven Signs That I May Need Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee arthroplasty may be the best way to relieve knee pain and other problems associated with this weight-bearing joint. The decision to have a knee replacement is important and one that you and your orthopedic surgeon will make together.
Many of our patients ask what signs and symptoms indicate they need a total or partial knee replacement. Here are seven of the most common ones.
Persistent Pain
If you experience constant knee pain which doesn’t improve with rest, physical therapy or medication, it may be time to consider surgery.
Limited Mobility
Difficulty in bending or straightening your knee can be a sign of significant degeneration due to osteoarthritis. You may have limited ability to navigate stairs and uneven surfaces, such as grass, and walk long distances.
Swelling and Inflammation
Swelling and joint deformity, which do not respond to treatments indicate a need for further evaluation and possible knee replacement surgery. For instance, your knees may look bowed out or turned inward.
Compromised Knee Function
If your knee often buckles or gives way, you may have significant damage to the cartilage, ligaments and tendons in the joint. You and your knee doctor will consider how well you go up and down stairs, walk and perform daily tasks.
Ask yourself, “Am I able to keep up with friends and family?” If the answer is no, a knee replacement may be your best option.
Increased Pain with Activity
If simple activities, such as walking, cause knee pain, you may need surgery. Even activities which involve little or no joint impact, such as gardening or swimming, may be problematic.
No Relief from Other Treatments
If you’ve tried physical therapy, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, injections and heat therapy without relief, joint replacement surgery might be the next step. Conservative treatments typically are the first choices and may avoid or delay joint replacement. However, when pain and poor function continue, get a consultation about knee surgery.
Sleep Disturbance Due to Pain
When resting does not help your knee pain, or if it keeps you awake during the night, you may need knee arthroplasty. If you have knee arthritis or other problems in the joint, some brief knee pain as you walk or stand is to be expected. However, when pain disturbs your nightly rest, you may need to consider knee replacement.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Naples, FL
At the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL, our expert team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating knee pain. Our board-certified physicians use state-of-the-art imaging and therapy modalities to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
If you have knee pain and suspect you might need a knee replacement, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our comprehensive approach ensures you receive the right care to move freely and without pain.
Schedule a consultation by calling us today at (239) 261-2663 or completing our appointment request form. We’re here to help you get back to activities you enjoy and the life you deserve.
