Assessing your knee can be a challenging task, especially if you’re constantly experiencing pain while walking upstairs, while your sitting still, or even when you lie down for sleep. Knee pain is considered one of the most complex areas to work in due to how important the knee joints are to our function. But is the pain bad enough that you may need surgery? This question often circulates among those with chronic knee pain, and it is, in fact, a considerable risk. However, knee replacements are often expected and take a considerable amount of deliberation before even being provided as an option. We’re here to explore your options further and see if knee replacement is suitable for you.
How Bad Does Your Knee Have To Be For Surgery?
Knee replacement surgeries are quite a common occurrence, often due to the aggressiveness of the chronic pain and the difficulty these conditions have towards other treatments. It’s important to note that many orthopedists recommend conservative treatments because of the complex nature between the bones, cartilage, and tendons that help control movement and function in the knee. Surgery is often looked at and recommended as a last resort for patients but is often used for knee conditions that are bad enough that surgery presents the best option available.
When it comes to whether or not surgery is the right option for you, paying attention to your symptoms and their severity is significant for making your decision. However, orthopedic surgeons will often recommend knee replacement under specific conditions, including:
- Chronic Arthritis: Most often, patients dealing with arthritis conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis experience severe loss of cartilage, which results in chronic pain and loss of motion.
Constant Swollen Knees: Knees that are constantly swollen while sitting, standing, or even sleeping, which can be quite debilitating and painful to handle, primarily when conservative treatments such as over-the-counter medications and injections don’t provide relief. - Interferes With Daily Activities: For those who experience knee pain so much that it prevents normal activities such as walking or driving, then knee surgery may ultimately be able to help.
Severe Knee Deformities: Knee deformities that occur from accidents or from advanced arthritis will most often require some form of surgery to treat, and when left untreated, can cause further problems to develop.
Knee replacement surgery can be a great option for those who’ve run out of options, and for those with chronic knee pain, having knee surgery means that certain sports or high-impact activities may need to be limited. Most often, knee surgeries are recommended for those 60 or older unless that severe knee damage occurs at a younger age. Knee surgery, however, can be an excellent solution for those suffering from chronic knee pain and knee arthritis who don’t have the option for conservative treatments. It’s essential to gain professional advice from an orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options for knee replacement and how this surgery may affect your quality of life.
