Hi there, I'm Kira Shepherd. When my kids were little, I spent a lot of time at the health care clinic. Children need an exam when they hurt themselves or run a high fever. Any other distressing symptoms are also best explored by a qualified physician. Thankfully, my local health care clinic always helped reassure me that the kids were healthy and developing well. I will share information about common diagnostic procedures and treatments performed at health care clinics. I will talk about alternatives, like going to the hospital or treating at home. My site will cover common symptoms and complications caused by a wide range of illness and injuries. Please visit my site often to learn more information. Thank you.
According to recent statistics, about 25% of adults in the United States suffer from knee pain. Unfortunately, this number continues to increase. When knee pain is chronic, it affects mobility and can greatly reduce a person's quality of life.
Some of the most common causes of chronic knee pain include arthritis and other degenerative disorders caused by wear and tear on the knee joint. Obesity, bacterial infections, and trauma to the knee (caused by falling or other types of accidents) can also cause chronic knee pain.
Fortunately, for those who suffer from chronic knee pain, there are many treatment options available. One popular type of treatment is knee replacement surgery. Read on to better understand this treatment option.
1. Know the Criteria for Knee Replacement
While knee replacement is a very effective way to treat chronic knee pain, not everyone might be eligible for the procedure. Surgeons usually perform knee replacement as a last resort. For people who have not yet tried certain pain medications, injections, or physical therapy, knee replacement may not be the first option. Also, if the chronic knee pain is caused by obesity, an orthopedic surgeon will usually recommend weight loss and exercise first.
2. Know What's Involved with Knee Replacement
Orthopedic surgeons perform knee replacement surgery. These surgeons specialize in procedures that involve the bones, joints, and entire musculoskeletal system. During knee replacement, the orthopedic surgeon makes an incision near the knee. The surgeon then moves the kneecap in order to remove damaged parts of the joint.
The damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one. In order to regain total function of the knee, patients will usually undergo physical therapy following knee replacement. Most people who have had knee replacement resume their normal activities within 6 weeks after the procedure.
3. Know the Risks of Knee Replacement
As with any type of surgical procedure, knee replacement is not without risks. These risks include blood clots in the leg vein and nerve damage. Patients who experience a fever or drainage from the surgical site may have an infection and should contact their doctor right away.
In some instances, the infection may affect the artificial joint and the procedure may need to be repeated. While most knee replacements can expect to last up to 15 years, there are instances when the artificial joint wears out early. In this case, an orthopedic surgeon would need to perform another knee replacement surgery.
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