Your knees are some of the hardest-working joints in your body. They enable you to walk, run, jump, and bend, allowing you to do the physical activities you enjoy as well as the daily tasks you need to get through your day. With all this activity and strain, it's no wonder that your healthy knee may eventually need some help.
If you've been in chronic knee pain for some time, it may be time to talk to your doctor about a knee replacement. While total knee replacements may sound daunting, modern knee replacement surgery successfully relieves pain and restore function.
But how do you know knee replacements are the suitable treatment options for you? How bad does a knee have to be before replacement?
At Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates (GPOA), our team of orthopaedic knee specialists has extensive experience in performing knee joint replacement surgery and offering patients lasting relief. Here are ten signs that indicate it may be time to consider this procedure:
1. You Have Chronic Knee Pain
Do you have chronic, severe pain in your knee that's not relieved by rest or over-the-counter pain medications? Severe pain is the most common symptom that leads patients to seek treatment from an orthopaedic specialist.
2. Your Knee Pain Prevents Your Daily Activities
Your knee pain may be manageable when you're resting or doing low-impact activities, but as soon as you try to do something more strenuous, the pain becomes unbearable. If your knee pain interferes with your ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy your favorite activities, it's time to talk to a GPOA orthopaedic specialist.
3. You've Tried Other Treatments Without Success
If you've tried other treatments for your knee pain, such as physical therapy, weight loss, and anti-inflammatory medications, and they haven't been able to provide you with the pain relief you need, knee replacement surgery may be the next step.
4. You Have Bone-on-Bone Arthritis
If you have arthritis in your knee that has progressed to the point where no cartilage is left between the bones (bone-on-bone arthritis), a partial or total knee replacement may be the best option to relieve your pain.
5. You Have Knee Instability
If you have knee instability, meaning your knee gives way when you walk or puts you at risk for falls, this increases your risk of serious injury. Partial or total knee replacement surgery can help correct this instability and reduce your risk of future injury.
6. You Have a Knee Deformity
If you have a knee deformity, such as a bowed leg or a knocked knee, this can put extra strain on your knee joint and lead to pain. Partial or total knee replacement surgery can help correct the deformity and relieve the pain.
7. You Have Severe Knee Swelling
If you notice severe swelling that cannot be relieved by rest or medications, this may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as arthritis or infection. Replacing your knees can help correct the underlying condition and relieve the swelling.
8. You Have Knee Pain at Night
If you have knee pain that wakes you up at night or interferes with your sleep, this may be a sign that your pain is severe and not responding to other treatments. Knee replacement surgery can help relieve this pain and allow you to get a good night's sleep.
9. You're Over the Age of 65
As we age, our risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that can lead to knee pain increases. If you're over the age of 65 and have chronic knee pain, knee replacement surgery may be the best option to relieve your pain.
10. You're Ready to Make a Change
If you've decided you're ready to do something about your knee pain, GPOA is here to help. Our orthopaedic specialists will work with you to develop the best treatment plan.
Benefits of Knee Replacement
Here are some of the potential benefits of undergoing a knee replacement at GPOA:
- Relieve pain and discomfort
- Improved mobility and range of motion
- Increased ability to perform daily activities
- Decreased risk of further knee damage or injury
- Improved quality of life
- Long-term benefits, as knee replacements can last for many years.
What Are The Potential Risks of Delaying Surgery?
If you're experiencing severe symptoms and delaying knee replacement, you might face several risks, such as:
- Weakening of the muscles and ligaments around the knee.
- Deformity of the knee area, which could lead to complications.
- Reduced mobility and quality of life due to chronic pain and loss of knee function.
- Further degeneration of the knee joint could complicate future treatments.
Get Expert Knee Replacement Treatment at Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates
Don't suffer in silence if you're struggling with any of these symptoms. A knee replacement procedure performed by the GPOA specialists can help you regain your life. With our passion for minimally invasive surgical techniques such as knee arthroplasty, you can be sure that your recovery process will be as smooth as possible.
If you're experiencing any of these knee problems and you’re ready to receive treatment from the top knee doctor Pittsburgh has to offer, schedule your first appointment with Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates today. Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of knee replacement surgery?
There are several types of knee replacement surgeries, including total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and minimally invasive knee replacement. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the individual's condition and the extent of damage to the knee joint.
What is the best age to have a knee replacement?
The best age to have a knee replacement can vary, but it is most commonly performed on individuals in their 50s or 70s. However, age alone is not the sole factor, and it's important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Who is not a good candidate for knee surgery?
Individuals who have uncontrolled medical conditions like heart or lung disease, active infections, insufficient bone quality, severe obesity, or inadequate rehabilitation support may not be good candidates for knee surgery. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine eligibility.
What is better than knee surgery?
Alternative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, bracing, weight loss, or lifestyle modifications may be considered before knee surgery. These options should be discussed with a healthcare professional based on individual circumstances.
Is it better to rest or walk with knee pain?
It is generally recommended to strike a balance between rest and activity when experiencing knee pain. Low-impact activities like walking are beneficial, while excessive rest or high-impact exercises can worsen the pain. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing knee pain.
How long does a knee replacement implant last?
Knee replacement implants are designed to function for around 15 to 20 years in approximately 85% to 90% of patients. However, it's important to note that these implants are not permanent and may eventually loosen due to general wear and tear. In such cases, a revision surgery may be necessary. To prolong the lifespan of your knee replacement implant, it is crucial to follow the care and maintenance instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
