Regain Your Mobility with Total Knee Replacement Surgery in El Paso
The knee is considered to be one of the most complex joints in the body. As the largest joints, your knees play a major role in keeping us mobile. As joints, knees join the thigh bone to the shin bone. Although these joints are resilient, they can eventually become severely damaged due to arthritis or injury. If this occurs, simple tasks such as walking will become difficult and painful. In more severe cases, the pain will radiate even while sitting, resting, or sleeping. If you find yourself in this situation, it may be time to consider total knee replacement. As one of the most consistently successful procedures, total knee replacement is a great option.
How Arthritis Wears Down Joints
The term “arthritis” is used to refer to joint pain and joint disease, in general. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis are the three specific types of arthritis known to cause knee pain. In some cases, medication and walking supports can aid individuals who are suffering from arthritis. But there are also instances where nonsurgical treatments cease to work. When this occurs, total knee replacement becomes the best option.
Osteoarthritis is the term used to describe a progressive form of arthritis that results in join pain after certain activities. This type of arthritis tends to occur in the knees or hips. Although arthritis is mostly common in individuals over the age of 60, it can also affect young people who have suffered from joint injuries or who have undergone joint surgery. Arthritis can also manifest as a genetic disease which is inherited from ancestors with arthritis in their genes.
Reasons Why You Should Get Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Arthritis is the main reason many people require total knee replacement surgery. But if the knee joint becomes severely damaged due to trauma or rare destructive diseases, it will more than likely require replacement surgery. Total knee replacement surgery becomes a necessity when the joint damage is too severe to be treated by other means. Since the joint wears down over time, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon as you begin to feel pain in your joints. This way, your doctor will be able to tend to the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
Understanding the Total Knee Replacement Process
When the time comes for total knee replacement surgery, it’s important to understand what to expect. Simply put, the diseased knee joint will be replaced with artificial materials that replicate the same use and motion of a natural joint. During the replacement surgery, the end of the thigh bone will be removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg will be removed as well but it will be replaced by a plastic material with a metal stem. Depending on how worn down the kneecap is, a plastic section may be added to the underside to allow for a more natural movement. The surgery tends to take anywhere from one to three hours. Once the surgery is complete, the patient must undergo physical therapy in order to bet accustomed to the new knee joint. There may be pain and discomfort in the days following the surgery but this should subside and eventually go away around six weeks after the surgery.
Important Things to Keep in Mind After Your Surgery is Complete
After the surgery is complete, it’s time to focus on healing. This step requires the patient to undergo outpatient physical therapy programs to build up strength. The patient should also exercise at home in order to prevent scarring and to reduce recovery time. If done correctly, the physical therapy will allow the patient to regain optimal strength and stability. Exercise is important for the healing process to proceed smoothly but it’s important for patients to avoid any high-impact sports such as those that involve running. Instead, the patient can choose to swim in order to improve muscle strength and endurance all without exerting pressure or stress on the new joint.
Be Aware of the Risks & Complications
As with any other surgery, total knee replacement carries its own risks and complications. Blood clots, UTIs, nausea, and vomiting are all risks associated with the procedure. Knee pain and stiffness may also occur as well as nerve damage or infection to the knee. The use of anesthesia may lead to potential risks relating to heart, lung, or kidney damage. All risks and complications relating to the surgery will be discussed by your surgeon so you can feel completely confident in your procedure.
Choose Total Knee Replacement Surgery from Sun City Orthopaedic!
The most noticeable benefit of total knee replacement surgery is the ability to use your knee joint freely without suffering from pain or swelling. The ability to be mobile again can give patients a new lease on life. In fact, over 90 percent of patients experience much less pain and greater mobility after the procedure is complete. Total knee replacement should be seen as the final option and it’s often only necessary if your joint damage is much too severe. If the joint damage isn’t severe enough and you decide on replacement surgery, the outcome may not be as beneficial as you’d originally expected. If you’re ready to be free from joint pain and to be mobile once again, then it’s time to consider total knee replacement surgery from Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists today!