Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wearing-down of the protective cartilage in a joint. When this cartilage becomes too thin or wears away and is thus no longer able to cushion the bones in a joint from rubbing against each other during movement, it can cause inflammation – resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of flexibility.
This condition can affect any joint, but one of the most commonly affected is the knee. As arthritis progresses, it can significantly impact your ability to stand and walk.
Thankfully, there are various interventions that can improve your condition, including physical therapy and pain-relief injections performed by your physician. If your knee arthritis no longer responds to noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments, your orthopedic doctor may recommend that you have a total knee replacement. Let’s talk about what this entails and where you can go to find out whether this may be a good solution for you.
Knee Replacement Surgery for Treating Knee Arthritis
If you decide to have a total knee replacement to finally find relief from your knee pain, your surgeon will remove the damaged areas of the joint and replace them with prosthetic materials. After the surgery, you will likely be able to resume most of your regular routine within two months. You should gain full recovery within six months to a year.
Millions of individuals with osteoarthritis have undergone this procedure with positive results. Studies project that there will be a constant increase in the number of total knee replacements performed in the United States as time goes on, because people are living longer and enjoying an active retirement.
Benefits of Knee Surgery
Some of the key benefits of having total knee replacement surgery include the following:
- Lasting pain relief
- Improved mobility
- Better quality of life
- Results can last for 15 years or more
What to Expect with a Total Knee Replacement
Before undergoing a total knee replacement, you will discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with your surgeon. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions if there is anything you don’t understand.
Your surgeon will review your medical history, ask you to undergo one or more diagnostic tests, and conduct a physical exam to ensure that you are healthy enough to have the surgery. They may ask you questions about the following:
- Allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex
- History of bleeding disorders
- Medications you are taking, including anticoagulants and herbal supplements
- Pregnancy (if applicable)
Before the operation, you should prepare your home to allow wide areas for you to walk around safely – remove any carpets that could fold or curl and thereby cause a tripping hazard. This pre-op home preparation includes moving furniture, chairs, etc.
After the surgery, your physical therapist will lead you in exercises and stretches to foster a healthy and speedy recovery and rehabilitation. The therapist will likely come to your home for your therapy sessions for your convenience and safety.
Upon going home, be aware of any symptoms of infection or complications. Inform your orthopedic surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Fever
- Increased pain around the incision site
- Redness or swelling
- Bleeding or other unexpected drainage from the incision site
Knee Replacement Specialist in North Dakota
If you want to find relief from your chronic osteoarthritis pain in your knee, a total knee replacement may be right for you. Here at The Bone & Joint Center, our team of board-certified and fellowship-trained doctors have been providing quality orthopedic care in North Dakota since 1974. Our orthopedic physicians have a wide range of expertise, from general orthopedics to sports medicine to joint replacement surgery.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call us today at (800) 424-2663 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get moving again!
