Is osteoarthritis impacting your overall quality of life despite physiotherapy, pain medications, or other treatments? It’s time you should consider knee replacement surgery. Orthopedic surgeons at Phoenix Medical Centre are dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life by helping you regain mobility with their enhanced treatments.
Persistent Pain
Osteoarthritis in the knee happens when the cartilage wears down. The constant friction causes pain and limits movements. However, this pain increases if someone is overweight, consumes alcohol, less involvement in physical activity, or follows a poor diet. In the initial stages, pain can be managed by painkillers and other treatments. However, in advanced stages, it becomes unmanageable.
Severe Joint Damage
Knee replacement is even considered when X-rays or MRI reveal significant damage to the knee joint, like cartilage loss or bone spurs ( bony growths near the joint). It could lead to joint deformation, where the alignment of the joint is not in the right position. As joint damage progresses, the range of motion in the knee can become significantly limited.
Reduced Functionality
Reduced functionality of the knee results in a limited range of movements. Patients struggle to climb stairs, walk, bend or indulge in daily tasks. This joint stiffness is mostly noticeable after awakening or after a period of inactivity. They might even suffer from swelling and tenderness around the knee areas.
Ineffectiveness of Treatments
Since osteoarthritis is a chronic disease, treatment options are given to reduce the symptoms. These treatments include pain medications, injections, dietary changes, and other lifestyle changes. However, in severe cases, these treatments don’t provide relief to the patients. During this time, knee replacement might be the last option to consider.
Impact on Quality of Life
Your doctor will assess the impact of this degenerative disease on the quality of your life. If your knee condition significantly hampers your ability to engage in recreational activities, it can lead to a significant decrease in your quality of life. In such cases, knee replacement surgery might be recommended to enhance your overall well-being.
Consultation with an Orthopedic Specialist
Seeking help from an orthopedic specialist is essential for patients suffering from this chronic pain. These specialists have the expertise to accurately diagnose the severity of joint damage and suggest the most appropriate treatment options. Their professional guidance ensures that you make an informed decision based on a comprehensive understanding of your condition and the potential benefits and risks of surgery.
Conclusion
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, an orthopedic specialist ensures you receive tailored recommendations for your specific needs, helping you make a well-informed decision about whether to proceed with knee replacement surgery.