4 Signs That You Should Consider Knee Replacements
If you are experiencing pain in your knees, or if you find it getting harder to move around like you used to, it is never too early to consult with your doctor for an evaluation. Preventative care is essential for the long term health of any joint, bone, muscle, tendon, or ligament; however, if you have already been made aware of any joint deterioration, or if you have recently sustained a serious injury to your knee, you may be a candidate for knee replacements.
A knee replacement surgery may become necessary when the cartilage has worn away significantly enough that it is causing substantial pain and interfering with everyday, essential activities. The operation includes removing only the arthritic ends of the bone and replacing them with metal and plastic surfaces. If both legs require replacements, (which are also called prostheses) can be surgically placed via two different types of procedures. One is a Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Replacement; the other is a Staged Bilateral Total Knee Replacement. As its name suggests, the Simultaneous procedure involves replacing both knees in one day, meaning the patient only needs to undergo anesthesia once, and he or she will recover more quickly as well as symmetrically. By contrast, the Staged procedure will require two separate surgical operations, with a few months in between; however, this is a much safer option for some patients, especially those 80 years of age or older or with medical conditions.
Knee Replacements: The Age Factor
Many of our patients at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute are surprised to learn that artificial knees are not only for the elderly. In cases where the knee has been damaged due to sports, workplace, or accident related injuries; prosthesis is often clearly necessary. However, it is not all that uncommon for arthritis and other degenerative disorders to affect the health of the joints in younger people. This is especially the case with the knees, which carry a lot of weight and sustain impact as we walk, run, and lift heavy objects.
If the pain you are experiencing in your knees is excruciating, and if it is regularly keeping you from performing simple tasks, we encourage you to talk with the physicians at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute about the possibility of knee replacements. Do not let your age deter you from finding out if you are in need of prosthetic knees. For 95% of patients, replacements last for at least 15 years or more, and the long term benefit to your health is an undeniable incentive. The earlier you take care of your knee pain, whether it is a result of arthritis, injury, or deformity, the better chance you have of preventing damage to your other bones and muscles. Look out for the following indicators that you may need knee replacements.
4 Reasons to Talk to Your Doctor About Knee Replacements
- Persistent or Recurring Pain
- Occasional mild pain in your knees may occur for any number of reasons, but if it is constant, frequent, or keeping you from movements that used to be painless, you should notify your doctor immediately.
- Stiffness
- If you get up in the morning, or after sitting through a movie or show, and your knees are stiff for an extended period of time, this may be a sign of joint deterioration or osteoarthritis.
- Decrease in Motion
- If you notice that you are unable to bend your knees to the extent that you have moved them in the past, especially to perform everyday functions around the home or at work, this is another symptom that you should report to your physician.
- Grating
- A regular grating or crackling feeling, often accompanied by a noise, indicates the possibility of worn cartilage.
Contact us today to find out how Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help prevent or repair damage to your joints. We will carefully determine if you are a candidate for knee replacements, and our experienced surgeons can restore mobility and relieve pain with only one or two procedures, depending on your age and physical condition. The faster you act, the sooner we can have you back on your feet.
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