Chronic knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your mobility and independence. If you’re struggling with severe, persistent knee pain that interferes with daily activities, knee replacement surgery might be the answer. While it’s a major decision, understanding the signs that indicate it’s time for surgery can empower you to make an informed choice and seek the best orthopaedic doctor for your treatment.
Who undergoes knee replacement surgery?
People with advanced stages of knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are the most common candidates for knee replacement surgery. In these cases, the cartilage cushioning the knee joint deteriorates, causing severe pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
What illnesses push you towards knee replacement surgery?
- Intense pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments
Medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications like weight loss may initially manage pain. However, if these measures fail to provide lasting relief and the pain significantly impacts your daily life, surgery might be necessary.
- Difficulty performing everyday activities
Simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair become increasingly challenging with severe knee pain. If these limitations significantly impact your daily routine and independence, consulting the best orthopaedic doctor for a surgical evaluation is recommended.
- Deformed or misaligned knee joint
In advanced stages of arthritis, the knee joint can become visibly deformed or misaligned, causing instability and further pain. In such cases, surgery can help restore proper joint alignment and function.
- X-ray confirmation of significant joint damage
X-rays reveal the extent of cartilage loss and bone damage in the knee joint. If X-rays indicate severe degeneration, even with ongoing conservative treatment, surgery might be the most effective solution.
- Failure to respond to other surgical procedures
In some cases, previous surgeries like arthroscopy or meniscal repair may not provide long-term pain relief. If these procedures fail to address the underlying joint damage, knee replacement surgery can offer a definitive solution.
When do you opt for Knee Replacement Surgery?
- Inability to walk, climb stairs, or perform routine tasks due to knee pain can be a strong indicator for surgery.
- Visible deformity or misalignment of the knee joint, as confirmed by X-rays, suggests advanced arthritis and potential need for surgery.
- Extensive cartilage loss and bone damage on X-rays, even with ongoing conservative treatment, may necessitate surgery.
- If previous knee surgeries haven’t provided lasting pain relief, consulting the Best Ortho Doctor in Madurai for a knee replacement evaluation is advisable.
Remember, knee replacement surgery is a major decision, and weighing the benefits and risks carefully after consulting with the best orthopaedic doctor is crucial. Vijayaraj Hospital has the Best Ortho Doctor in Madurai. Our team and advanced facilities can provide comprehensive guidance and treatment options for your knee pain. Don’t let chronic knee pain limit your life. Take the first step towards regaining mobility and independence by seeking expert advice.