Knee replacement surgery is quite a prevalent procedure, with thousands of people undergoing the treatment yearly. A Chevy Chase knee replacement utilizes metal pieces to replicate the joint’s surface, along with a plastic separator and potentially a plastic resurfacing within the patella (kneecap). While you may require some assistance thereafter, you should be capable of walking in hours or a day after surgery. Although only a qualified surgeon can determine if you are eligible for knee replacement, here are some variables that could make you a potential candidate.
1. You Have Severe Arthritis
Most people considering knee replacement surgery suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthrosis is the general wear and tear of the joint, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune issue that induces joint discomfort or post-traumatic arthritis.
These conditions could cause cartilage loss if left untreated, which triggers mobility difficulties and pain. Once these symptoms become extreme, knee replacement surgery could provide significant relief by repairing the knee’s damaged surfaces.
2. Nonsurgical Solutions Are Not Effective
If you got knee arthritis, you would likely begin with more conservative treatments like medicines, physical therapy, or steroid injections to relieve your symptoms. However, at some point, these solutions might not be sufficient.
Typically, these conservative therapies offer transient pain relief but do not address the root reason for the pain. With time, your condition worsens, making conventional therapies less efficient. In this case, surgical intervention could help.
3. Your Experience Chronic, Disrupting Pain
If various therapies fail to alleviate your knee discomfort, it could begin to interfere with your everyday activities. The scheduling of a total knee replacement is typically dictated by the knee’s effect on your life quality. If conservative therapy fails and you have substantial pain when walking, you could be a potential surgical candidate. Moreover, the pain you feel while resting or sleeping indicates knee replacement is necessary.
4. You Have Swollen Knees
A knee that is constantly swollen, notwithstanding the administration of anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, and steroid injections, suggests cartilage deterioration or knee instability. Your doctor will use an X-ray or another imaging technique to identify the cause of your condition. Often, in such situations, a total knee replacement can provide the needed relief.
5. You Experience Knee Deformity
If you have advanced arthritis, it could affect your walking and result in complications elsewhere in the body. As arthritis advances, the knee might bow or get ‘knock-kneed.’ If this kind of deformity gradually develops, Knee replacement could be necessary.
Additionally, individuals with arthritis might lose their capacity to straighten their knees. If this happens, you must consult an orthopedic surgeon because this loss of mobility could be permanent, even following knee replacement.
6. You Are Of A Particular Age
Knee replacement is typically performed on persons over 60 years, partly because younger individuals lead more physically active lives. As such, the knee replacement might experience excessive stress, making it short-lived. Besides, follow-up replacement surgeries could be less effective. Nevertheless, patients of any age can have knee replacements, so consult your physician to determine if you are suitable.
While surgery is often a last resort when it comes to caring, it might occasionally be necessary to undertake it to enjoy lasting relief from your symptoms. Knee replacement surgeries can last a lifetime and need little maintenance. Talk to your doctor to determine if you should have this procedure.