Knee pain is something that many people deal with on a daily basis, oftentimes minor and manageable pain that is the result of extended use or physical activity; however, this âexpectedâ knee pain pales in comparison to more serious, chronic conditions that lead to severe and unavoidable pain. If you are suffering from ongoing knee pain, you may want to connect with a medical professional to explore treatment options and get an understanding of how you can move forward with your life.
Typically, doctors will approach knee pain management with a conservative approach to start, using a combination of supportive devices, medication, and physical therapy. But if those approaches prove ineffective, the next step may be to consider surgery. There are a host of arthroscopic procedures that are minimally invasive, but if the source of the pain is serious enough, then a total knee replacement may be the best option.
When Is a Total Knee Replacement a Viable Option?
Having your knee replaced is a big decision, but your doctor may recommend this procedure in the event that the tissues, cartilage, or bones in your knee are too damaged to repair. There are a number of things that can cause irreparable damage to the knees, including the following.
Traumatic Injuries
Blunt trauma to the knee can cause fractures, tears, and many other types of damage. A fracture does not immediately require a knee replacement, but a failure to treat a fracture early on can result in permanent damage that will ultimately require a knee arthroplasty.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis degrades cartilage in the joints, including the knee, and can cause significant inflammation. Inflammation causes serious pain and can have major impacts on mobility, all while wearing down more of the cartilage and leading to chronic problems.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that causes cartilage to wear down in the joints, especially the knees. As friction between the bones in the joints gets worse, the joints can become very painful and lead to even more issues.
The Risks of a Total Knee Replacement
As with any invasive procedure, there are a number of risks that must be considered before moving forward with this operation. Of course, you will be able to review things like your medical history, unique risk factors, and other issues with your doctor before identifying risks specific to your situation. While complications from total knee replacements are rare, you are at risk of infection, blood loss or clotting, nerve damage, impacts on your range of motion, fracturing, or failures in the replacement joint.
Working closely with your doctor in the preparation phase as well as the recovery phase of your surgery is essential to help mitigate these risks and maximize your chances of a fully effective knee replacement. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with an experienced and certified professional in your area.