A knee replacement may be recommended if knee pain is having a big effect on your life and alternatives to a knee replacement have not worked.
Most people who have a knee replacement have pain and movement problems caused by osteoarthritis (a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff).
Other conditions a knee replacement may be used to treat include gout and sports injuries, but this is not common.
The knee usually moves smoothly because the ends of the bones are covered with a layer of tough tissue called cartilage. If the cartilage is worn away by osteoarthritis or damaged by an injury, the bones rub against each other, making your joint painful and stiff.
During a knee replacement, the damaged parts of your knee are replaced with metal and plastic parts.
Knee replacements are very successful and result in no pain in the knee and better movement.
Persistent Knee Pain That Doesn’t Go Away
One of the main signs a knee replacement is needed is severe and prolonged pain in the knee and the surrounding area. This pain can also be present elsewhere such as the hip or ankle, which impacts your daily life even when you are resting. The pain persists beyond a few days and keeps coming back as soon as the pain medications are stopped.
Limited Mobility and Difficulty Performing Daily Activities
This can make everyday chores and activities difficult. Bending the knee may be painful for some patients. Simple tasks like Getting up from Toilet seat, Climbing stairs requiring railing support, lack of confidence in going out alone or fear of losing balance on uneven ground.
Chronic Swelling and Inflammation
Swelling and inflammation around the knee is not responding to Ice packs, Medications. The swelling also appears in leg and ankle joints.
Knee Stiffness, Especially in the Morning or After Rest
Bending the knee becomes difficult, especially sitting cross legged is not possible or painful. Getting out of bed and taking the first few steps in the morning becomes challenging or takes time for the knee to loosen.
Noticeable Changes in Knee Shape or Appearance
The knees and legs are deformed and appear like Bow shaped deformity in the knee. Sometimes even the ankle and foot joints do appear deformed. Deformity or Bow shape becomes worse on standing.
Reduced Effectiveness of Medications or Therapies
Routine painkillers do not work very well and stronger medication is needed. Sometimes the injections in knee which were very effective for longer duration now loses its effect and knee stops responding to these medications.
Difficulty Walking, Climbing Stairs, or Standing
Feeling of losing confidence while walking on uneven grounds or on wet surfaces. Needing a support of railing while climbing stairs or needing a hand for getting up from sitting position.
Grinding or Popping Sounds from the Knee Joint
Knee feels like grinding inside with clicky noises. These noises sometimes are associated with increased pain as well.
Sleep Disruption Due to Knee Discomfort
Knee pain is many times localised in calf and thigh muscles. These muscles get temporary spasms at night or while resting walking up from sleep. The sleep disturbance starts occurring often especially after a busy day.
Knee Pain That Affects Mental Health and Quality of Life
Feeling tired and Depressed due to constant pain. Sometimes the pain gets out of control and emotional outbursts or frustration can happen.
When to Consult an Orthopedic Specialist
Not being able to carry out everyday chores and do the things you love can have a damaging effect on your mental wellbeing. If your quality of life is suffering due to persistent knee pain, it may be time to talk to a specialist.
Reasons you may need knee surgery
Knee replacement surgery is an effective operation and it is important to know the signs. Failure to do so could lead to a number of problems including:
- weakened muscles and ligaments of the knee
- deformity of the area outside the knee joint
- limited mobility due to chronic pain and loss of function
- continued degeneration of the knee joint
- reduced success rate of any future knee surgery.
Conclusion
Knee replacement is one of the most successful surgeries available for Knee arthritis. Its has a proven track record of more than 50 years. With the advancement the technology and surgical techniques the pain and recovery is now becoming much more easy. With pathways like enhanced recovery pathways the hospital stay has reduced significantly. The latest technology like robotics and navigation ensures accurate placement of implants and restoration of natural knee alignment. The implants are lasting longer and feel much more natural.
With early diagnosis and treatment arthritis can no longer halt your life. Timely intervention with an Expert Joint replacement specialist will restore your life back.
Do not fear arthritis, it’s time to fight and get your life back.