Severe knee pain can really limit someone’s ability to do their normal routines. It can result from injuries, accidents, and overuse. One of the treatments for it is replacing your knee with an artificial implant made of metal alloys, ceramic materials, and plastic.
Since there are many treatments available, how would you know if it’s right for you? Let’s talk about when orthopedic surgeons recommend knee replacement surgery to their patients and where you can go for this surgery in Boynton Beach, FL.
When You are Suffering from Severe Knee Pain
Knee replacement is always recommended when the patient suffers from severe knee pain. The most common cause of knee pain is arthritis. It is a joint disorder that causes pain and inflammation.
While there are many forms of arthritis, they are all capable of causing pain in the knee.
Other causes of knee pain requiring a knee replacement include injuries, tumors, or even infections.
When the Knee is Damaged Beyond Natural Healing
Aside from causing intense pain, arthritis can also cause your knee to deteriorate. The cause of this depends on the type of arthritis.
For example, osteoarthritis breaks down the protective cushioning between your bones as you age. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to attack the membrane covering some parts of your knee.
Your knee doctor will conduct tests to see the extent of the damage. X-rays will be used for sure since they are the most common way of diagnosing knee arthritis.
Other tests, such as MRIs or joint fluid analysis, can be done to give your healthcare provider more insight into the condition.
When the damage is too extensive, your knee doctor can consider joint replacement surgery as the only remaining option.
When the Knee is Physically Deformed
Birth issues, accidents, or infections may also deform your knee so much that it needs a replacement.
During these cases, knee replacement can sometimes be the best option for restoring mobility.
When Your Movements Are Limited
Your knee is a joint that you frequently use when performing activities like walking down the hall or climbing the stairs. When your knee cannot perform these actions every day, you may be in need of a knee replacement.
Decreased range of motion in your knee is caused by many conditions that result in pain and stiffness. These include arthritis or injuries.
The prosthetic knee can relieve the pain and improve mobility. This allows you to return to your daily activities.
When You Are at the Optimal Age
While your knee can suffer from conditions that may require knee replacement to treat, your age is actually a factor considered.
In the United States, 65 is the optimal age for knee replacement surgery. Patients below 65, especially 50 and under, are often considered too young.
They may have to wait until they are at least 65 years before getting a knee replacement.
This is because the artificial joints you get from the surgery usually last 15 to 20 years. Saving knee replacement surgery for the optimal age saves you from having to replace it later.
Of course, there isn’t an age requirement to fulfill before getting a knee replacement. Age is not a consideration if the injury to the knee is so severe that surgery is the only option.
This means that younger people can be candidates for the operation despite the need to replace the prosthetic later on.
When Conservative Treatments Don’t Work
Before surgery is even considered, healthcare providers will always offer non-surgical treatments first. This is to avoid the many risks involved in surgical operations, such as blood clots, nerve damage, and infections.
Conservative treatments include
- Weight loss
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Pain medication
- Viscosupplementation
- Intra-articular steroid injection
All these treatments can relieve the pain, swelling, and decreased mobility in your knee. However, Should they fail, your healthcare provider will recommend knee replacement surgery.
Knee Replacement Near You in Boynton Beach, FL
Knee deterioration or injury can put the brakes on your everyday life. Whether in sports, work, or home activities, our knees play a significant role in our lives. Thus, any condition that requires surgery to treat is something you must take seriously.
Here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, our priority is getting your knee back in shape in a way that suits your needs. We have many state-of-the-art treatment options available to you.
If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent knee doctors. Call our Boynton Beach orthopedic clinic at (561) 733-5888 to book a consultation. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!