Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures in the history of replacement surgeries. It replaces a damaged or worn-out knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint to restore mobility, eliminate pain, and improve quality of life.
However, not everyone with knee pain is a candidate for knee replacement. The decision to undergo replacement surgery should involve a collaborative discussion between you and your orthopedic surgeon. Your orthopedic surgeon will consider a variety of factors, including your overall health, age, activity level, and goals before recommending knee replacement surgery.
In this article, we will talk about some situations in which knee replacement surgery may be right for you. Additionally, we will talk about an orthopedic practice where you can go to receive comprehensive orthopedic care.
You Have Severe Knee Pain That is Not Responding to Conservative Treatments
People who have moderate to severe knee pain, which keeps them from sleeping at night or doing daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of a car often end up finding relief in knee replacement surgery.
This is especially true for those whose knee pain does not respond to conservative treatments like medications, bracing, physical therapy, injection therapy, etc.
You Have Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for people to consider knee replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis damages the articular cartilage of the knee joint, causing debilitating knee pain, stiffness, and inflammation. In severe cases, the cartilage wears away significantly so that the bones of the knee rub against each other when you walk.
While conservative treatments can slow the progression of osteoarthritis, there is no proof they completely stop or reverse the cartilage damage. Once significant cartilage damage has occurred, knee replacement surgery is considered necessary to address pain and restore mobility.
You Have Severe Knee Deformity
Knee deformity refers to the abnormal shape or alignment of the knee joint. It may be present at birth or develop later due to an injury, disease, or condition of the structures of the knee joints.
A severe knee deformity can significantly affect the appearance as well as the functioning of the knee joint. Knee replacement surgery is often recommended to correct knee deformity and improve knee function.
You Have Long-standing Knee Inflammation and Swelling
Chronic or long-standing knee inflammation and swelling can be indicative of an underlying problem with the knee joint. Knee inflammation and swelling that does not get better with rest, icing, cortisone shots, and other conservative treatments also warrant knee replacement surgery.
Treatment for Knee Pain in Kansas City, KS
For many people, knee replacement surgery is the only way to restore pain and improve mobility. If you think you have any of the above-mentioned conditions and you are looking for knee replacement near you, visit our orthopedic doctor at Midwest Orthopaedics, P.A., for a thorough evaluation.
Our orthopedic doctor will assess your symptoms, perform physical exams, and order tests to determine if knee replacement is right for you. In addition to providing conservative treatments, our surgeons also offer joint replacement surgeries, including knee replacement surgery.
To make an appointment with one of our knee surgeons, call us today at (913) 362-8317 or secure an appointment by using our online appointment request form.
