Your knees bear a great deal of weight and pressure, especially if you are active. That may lead to several problems and conditions. Often, you can relieve mild to moderate symptoms with nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy and medication. However, you may need surgery if your case is severe.
Here are the patients who may want to consider total knee replacement to achieve relief:
1) People with Severe Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons orthopedic surgeons recommend total knee replacement. There are several types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
The most common one that leads to total replacement is osteoarthritis. It is a breakdown of the cartilage in your knee joints. As these structures deteriorate, pain and stiffness increase.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
A severe injury to your knee, like a fracture or ligament tears, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and swelling.
2) People with Severe Knee Pain and Stiffness
Total knee replacement may help relieve chronic pain and stiffness due to severe conditions like tumors or infections. It can also be helpful for those who have had a knee injury or surgery.
3) People Who Can’t Perform Normal Activities
Do you have difficulty performing activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from a chair? If that is due to pain and stiffness in your knee, total replacement surgery may help you regain mobility.
4) People with Bone Deformities
Do you have a deformity in your knee or leg due to a birth issue, accident, or infection? Total knee replacement may be the best option for relieving pain and restoring mobility.
5) People Who Have Had Previous Knee Surgeries
If you’ve had previous knee surgeries that didn’t offer relief and your condition has deteriorated, total knee replacement may be the next step.
For example, take patients who’ve had a meniscus repair or a partial knee replacement. It might progress and reach a point where total knee replacement is necessary.
What Happens in a Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
These are just some conditions that could lead you to consider total knee replacement surgery. Your doctor can best advise if this procedure is for you based on your diagnosis and lifestyle.
If you have any of the above conditions and are facing knee pain, it’s best to speak to an orthopedic specialist to discuss your options. Your doctor will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you have.
The Procedure
During the surgery, your surgeon will first remove the damaged ends of your bones. Then, they will replace it with metal parts attached to a plastic spacer that acts as a cushion between them.
Your surgeon will attach ligaments and tendons to stabilize your new joint. The surgery usually takes a few hours and is done under general anesthesia.
Recovery
Recovery time differs from person to person, but most people can resume normal activities within six weeks of the procedure. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions to help you recover as quickly as possible.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is also vital to ensure that your knee replacement is helping you and not causing any problems. You may need physical therapy or other treatments to help with your recovery.
Total Knee Replacement in Boynton Beach, FL
Do you need total knee replacement surgery in Boynton Beach? You can rely on Palm Beach Ortho & Palm Beach Orthopedics in Florida. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons frequently perform knee replacement surgeries with great success. Refined techniques and advances in technology used in knee replacement surgeries have made it possible for patients to return to their normal lives sooner. We provide comprehensive care, which includes physical therapy sessions with our licensed physical therapists.
To learn about our comprehensive services, call us today at (561) 733-5888 (Ext. 9). You can also use our online request form to book a visit with one of our orthopedic surgeons.
We look forward to serving you!