Are you thinking about knee replacement surgery, or need repair for a torn ACL? Whatever the procedure may be, it’s important to consider all things before deciding on surgery. Here’s what your knee doctor in Boynton Beach asks patients to consider.
Consider Your Overall Health And Desired Level of Activity
If you’ve been suffering with arthritis pain and dysfunction, think about your overall health and the impact your knee has on it. Are you:
- Limited on the job and at home because of your knee?
- Putting on weight, losing range of motion, or developing poor circulation and other health issues because of your knee?
- Avoiding social interactions because your ability to move is limited?
Frankly, the longer someone with such issues postpones a needed knee procedure, the more their physical and emotional health will suffer. Procedures such as total knee replacement may become more complex, too, as further joint deterioration necessitates longer, more complicated surgery and larger prosthetic.
Consider The Results of Other Treatments You Have Tried
Orthopedic specialists would rather treat joint problems as conservatively as possible before recommending surgical repair or joint replacement. Examples include physical therapy, injections, prescription and over the counter medications, assistive devices, and more.
If you and your knee doctor have given these interventions a sufficient try with little to no improvement, you may need surgical intervention. While surgery does involve an investment of patience, discomfort, and rehabilitation, it may be the treatment you need to achieve the level of function you desire for the long run.
Consider The Risks And Recovery Involved
You will not be considered a candidate for surgery solely based on your symptoms. There are many other factors that influence your candidacy, such as your overall health. If you are diabetic, you may have to postpone knee surgery until your blood glucose levels are under control. Or, to improve surgical outcomes, your doctor may require you to lose weight or undergo physical therapy to strengthen your muscles before knee surgery. You need to be as healthy as possible going into surgery.
Depending on your surgery and post-op care plan, you will require some level of help at home for the first several weeks post-surgery. You may wish to relocate your sleeping arrangements and hygiene accommodations onto the first floor of your home to avoid stairs. You will likely need help with light housework, bathing, dressing, and errands. Address these needs with your family, friends, surgeon, and discharge planner ahead of time.
Consider Who Is Performing Your Knee Surgery
Research the credentials of your orthopedic surgeon. Are they board-certified with substantial experience in the procedure you need? Does the doctor carefully outline the procedure for you and fully answer questions you have about risks, recovery, pain medications, and other areas of concern? What will your rehab plan look like? Will you be hospitalized, and for how long? Before you consent to any procedure, make sure you are satisfied with your choice of knee surgeon.
Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches
Located in Boynton Beach, FL, our orthopedic clinic carefully evaluates all knee patients to determine what services they need for optimal musculoskeletal health. If you think you may need total or partial joint replacement, ligament or meniscus tear repair, or another surgery, please contact us for a friendly and informative consultation. We have six board-certified orthopedic surgeons on staff to help you through this important decision.
To arrange your visit, call our office today, or fill out our appointment request form on our website. We look forward to serving you soon.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
