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Having some trouble with your knees lately? You’re not alone if you’ve been unable to walk, climb stairs, or even sleep properly due to some serious and unbearable knee discomfort. Every year, millions of people around the world deal with the same issue, and for many, complete knee replacement provides a way to regain their mobility and standard of living.
Do you know how your knee functions and more so, how does the surgery happen that people get? Well, knowing how the knee functions is useful before beginning surgery. Comprising the patella (kneecap), tibia (shinbone), and femur (thighbone), the knee is a complicated hinge joint. These bones are safely cushioned by cartilage, and they are held together and mobile by tendons and ligaments. During motion, the meniscus protects the bones by acting as a shock absorber. It might sound a little confusing, however, knees are quite well structured to make sure your movement is smooth.
If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, and restricted movement, it can be a result of the breakdown of any portion of this complex system, which frequently happens as a result of arthritis or trauma. Arthritis or trauma can be caused due to multiple reasons like a sudden attack of unfavorable surroundings or an event. A heavy jerk or an intense shift in motion can cause trauma.
Are you confused if you require a total knee replacement? Well, there are some signs and symptoms of total knee replacement that will ensure your need for the replacement surgery. If you wish to determine whether you are a candidate for total knee replacement surgery, keep reading.
The following are some typical indications that a total knee replacement is necessary:
Chronic or worsening knee pain, even when at rest: An important sign of joint degradation is persistent knee pain that continues even when you’re not moving, such as when you’re sitting, lying down, or sleeping. Rest, daily activities, and general quality of life may all be hampered by this type of discomfort.
Having problems walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods: Advanced joint injury may be indicated if routine tasks such as short-distance walking, prolonged standing, or climbing stairs cause pain or fatigue. People who struggle with these issues tend to avoid moving, which exacerbates their muscle weakness and stiffness.
Knee stiffness, especially in the morning or after exercise: Morning knee stiffness or tightness after physical activity often points to inflammation and cartilage breakdown. This may gradually impair your ability to do simple actions with ease and make it difficult to get going after rest.
Limited range of motion: When your knee doesn’t fully bend or straighten like it used to, it could be due to joint degeneration. Limited motion limits your ability to conduct typical chores, such as getting in and out of a car or chair comfortably.
Pain has a significant impact on daily living: It’s obvious that your illness is harming your independence and daily quality of life when simple activities like grocery shopping, getting out of a chair, or walking around your house become challenging because of knee pain or stiffness.
Imaging shows severe joint degradation: MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays may reveal bone spurs, cartilage loss, or a narrowing of the joint space. These results validate the knee’s structural deterioration and assist your physician in deciding whether surgery, such as a total knee replacement, is necessary.
There has been no relief from non-surgical methods: It could be time to think about surgery if drugs, injections, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications are no longer effective in reducing symptoms. When conservative measures fail to improve a joint, it’s usually a sign that the damage has advanced beyond the scope of non-surgical management.
There is a noticeable abnormality, such as a bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance: Advanced arthritis or cartilage loss may be indicated by obvious changes in knee alignment, such as legs angling outward or inward. These abnormalities frequently impair movement and balance, which is why total knee replacement surgery is usually advised.
It could be time to look into surgical options if you have tried medicine, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes without success. Talk to a professional to consult if you need surgery. Do not take the decision on your own, expert recommendation is important.
Depending on your health and the degree of damage, there are various types of knee replacement:
The choice is ultimately personal and focused on enhancing quality of life.
Your healthcare team will assist you in preparing after you’ve made the decision. Preparation for surgery frequently consists of:
In addition, you might be told to temporarily cease taking certain drugs, such as blood thinners, and to refrain from eating or drinking for 12 hours prior to surgery.
What typically occurs during a total knee replacement procedure is as follows:
Anesthetic: You will be given either regional anesthetic, which leaves you awake but numb from the waist down, or general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep.
Incision: To gain access to the knee joint, a cut is made at its front.
Removal of Damaged Tissue: A tiny piece of bone and worn-out cartilage are removed by the surgeon. Implant placement involves inserting the metal and plastic artificial joint components (total knee replacement implants).
Kneecap Adjustment: To improve fit, the patella may need to be resurfaced.
Closing Up: A bandage is put on and the incision is sealed.
Usually, the procedure takes one to two hours. However, professionals might take more or less time as per the condition.
Following surgery, you will be kept under observation in a recovery area while your vital signs are tracked. While some may stay overnight, others return home the same day. Almost soon, you will start doing light activities to aid in the healing process.
Physical therapy begins to restore strength and motion within 24 hours, and pain is normal but controllable with medication. While most patients would prefer medications to ease the pain for obvious reasons, however, choosing physical activity for healing is also equally impactful.
Being regular with the right measures post-surgery can help you get relief from the pain as soon as possible.
The secret to a good recovery is rehabilitation. Total knee replacement exercises are intended to increase muscle strength, flexibility, and balance.
Using ankle pumps to boost blood flow: Ankle pumps are easy exercises that require you to point and flex your toes. These promote healing in the initial phases of recovery, lower the danger of blood clots following surgery, and increase blood circulation in your legs.
Use heel slides to recover your range of motion: In order to perform heel slides, you must lie down and bend and straighten your knee. This mild motion relieves stiffness and promotes your knee joint’s gradual return to its original range of motion by restoring flexibility and range of motion.
Sets of quadriceps are necessary to rebuild thigh strength: Tightening your thigh muscles while maintaining a straight leg is the goal of quadriceps sets. Rebuilding strength in the front of your leg is crucial for stabilizing your knee and sustaining daily activities like standing and walking. These low-impact contractions aid in this process.
Straight leg raises: Straight leg lifts help build your hip and thigh muscles without placing tension on the healing knee joint. In addition to enhancing control and supporting joint stability, this exercise prepares the body for more strenuous rehabilitation exercises later in the healing process.
Performing these exercises consistently might significantly enhance your healing results.
There are some total knee replacement complications, much like with any major surgery
Always adhere to your post-operative instructions, and let your doctor know if you experience any unusual swelling, fever, or increased pain.
Although complete recovery may take up to a year, most patients are able to return to their regular activities in 6-12 weeks. While running after total knee replacement is still not advised, doing little activity that doesn’t harm you is always encouraged by the professionals. You’ll be urged to maintain an active but attentive lifestyle.
Your weight, age, degree of activity and anatomy will all be taken into consideration by your surgeon when selecting total knee replacement implants. These implants are composed of ceramics, premium polymers, and metal alloys.
Replicating your original knee as nearly as possible in terms of appearance and function is the main motive.
The decision to have a knee replacement is a big one. So, we understand how hard it could be. Therefore, it is essential to get proper information on total knee replacement. Spend some time researching the procedure, talking to people who have had it done, and asking questions.
Things to remember:
The goal of a total knee replacement is to restore your freedom, not only to lessen discomfort. Millions of people’s lives have been improved by this operation, whether it’s returning to park walks, playing with your grandchildren, or just living pain-free.
You’ll be able to make the finest choice for your lifestyle and health if you comprehend the entire process, from the initial symptoms to the healing phase.
Therefore, it could be time to think about having a total knee replacement if your knee discomfort is preventing you from moving forward and you have tried all non-surgical methods. The future appears to be much more mobile thanks to advanced technology and talented surgeons.
Jain Multispeciality Hospital is your go-to hospital for anything and everything. We have top-class doctors in every field with a staff so professional and responsible. If you are looking for medical assistance of any type, Jain Multispeciality Hospital is your best pick.
Get in touch with our professionals to know how we can be of help.
