Knee replacements, or knee arthroplasty, involve taking out damaged bone and cartilage from the patients’ shinbone, thighbone, and knee cap. Then, an artificial joint replaces the natural joint that doctors removed.
An artificial joint is made from high-grade plastics, metal alloys, and polymers to create a joint that moves without any pain!
This type of surgery has a high success rate. Many patients experience an increase in overall happiness due to the lack of chronic knee pain and the opportunity to do more activities.
Signs of Needing a Total Knee Replacement
Do you think you might need a total knee replacement? Here are a few signs that you may need one:
- Serious and chronic knee pain
- Moderate to severe knee pain even, both while moving or resting
- Restricting everyday activity has not provided relief
- Knees bowing inward or outward
- Failure to improve with cortisone injections, lubricating injections, or physical therapy
- Chronic knee inflammation that does not improve with rest or medication
- Stiffness and severe pain while climbing stairs, getting into and out of the car, walking, or standing from sitting
How to Talk With Your Doctor About Getting a Total Knee Replacement
If you notice one or more of the signs mentioned above, schedule an appointment with your doctor to go over the possibility of a total knee replacement and what the pain you feel may mean for you.
You may not be a good candidate for a total knee replacement if you have not tried methods like lubricating injections, cortisone injections, pain medications, physical therapy, or reducing strenuous daily activity yet.
If you have tried many of these methods to no avail, your doctor may begin a conversation with you about considering a total knee replacement.
Speak with the trusted professionals and experienced surgeons at Summit Healthcare to schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation today!
