According to an article on www.zimmer.com, “ Total Knee replacement is a routine surgery performed on more than 600,000 people worldwide each year.” And more than 90% of those surgeries result in improved knee function and a lessening of pain. So if your knee is bothering you, how do you know it’s time to consider having it replaced? There are a couple of signs, the most obvious one being a change in quality of life because of the pain.
Arthritis is the most common reason for a total knee replacement, and involves 3 stages of suffering:
Stage 1
The first is gradual, may last for a couple of years, and consists mostly of a dull ache made worse by putting weight on the knee. This may lead to difficulty going from a sitting to a standing position, and may interfere with sleep.
Stage 2
The second stage is when daily activities are cut back due to pain.
Stage 3
The third stage is when it’s so bad that pain killers are needed. An article on www.bonesmart.org’s site (“How do I know if I need knee replacement surgery?”) suggests talking to a doctor at any point of the three stages. The doctor may suggest some more conservative, less invasive treatments to begin with such as medications, injections, braces, and physical therapy. If none of these help then a knee replacement may be the next suggestion.
Written by: Tricia Doane, Rust Built, Marketing Services
As with any surgery, joint replacements come with a calculated amount of risk. Weighing your options, essentially comparing your quality of life before vs. after your total knee replacement surgery, is part of the process.
If joint pain is robbing you of life’s pleasures – taking a walk, playing with children or grandchildren, working in the yard – don’t lose hope! With total knee replacement surgery, you can lead an active life.