Arthroplasty or knee replacement surgery is a medical procedure that involves the replacement of a worn, diseased, or damaged knee with an artificial one. Accidents, excessive weight, and other ailments can damage the ligaments, connective tissues, and cartilage that form the structure of the knee. The result is stiffness, pain, and inflammation, which will manifest itself as a disease in the future and increase the chances of a knee replacement being necessary.
The procedure is more common among seniors, as joints tend to wear out and lose flexibility with age; however, anyone can be susceptible. For those between 55 and 65, partial knee replacement is more common.
What is a Knee Replacement?
A knee replacement surgery is the only option when non-surgical treatments such as walking support, exercise, and injections prove ineffective. An orthopedic surgeon will assess the patient before recommending surgery. The factors considered before making this decision include; the range of motion, strength, and stability. X-rays and other forms of radio imaging help establish the extent of knee damage and help to further support the surgeon’s recommendation.
When receiving a knee replacement, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the diseased area connecting the kneecap, thighbone, and shinbone. A prosthesis or artificial joint is then installed to replace the sections the surgeon has removed. The metal part of the prosthesis connects with the thighbone because it bears most of the weight. The rest of the artificial knee is composed of polymers and high-grade plastics.
Total knee replacement means that the whole knee, including the lower and upper bone ends and the patella, has been replaced. Partial or half replacement involves the repair of certain damaged portions. Also, note that the surgery is painless since the patient is under local and general anesthesia.
Suppose non-surgical treatments such as medications and walkers are no longer effective. In that case, you may wish to consider total knee replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is an effective and safe procedure to correct leg deformities, relieve pain and allow you to return to normal activities. The process is safe, reduces pain effectively, and helps patients resume normal activities. The recovery time for a knee replacement is anywhere between 6 months to one year or more, it depends on factors such as your general health and age.
When Is a Knee Replacement Necessary?
Knee replacement is necessary to relieve pain and restore function to knee joints damaged by trauma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic pain from the following diseases may necessitate a knee replacement procedure.
I. Osteoarthritis
Age accelerates joint wear and tear, causing this type of arthritis. The soft bone that cushions the thighbone from the shin bone softens and gradually wears away. The exposed ends of the two bones grind against each other, causing bone spurs, pain, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is more common in people aged 50 and older. Common causes of osteoarthritis include genetics, joint overuse, and being overweight or obese.
II. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the thickening and inflammation of the synovial membrane. The synovial membrane secretes synovial fluid, which lubricates the knee joint. Little or no lubrication eventually damages the cartilage causing pain and stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis also affects younger people, some as young as 30.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disorder. When the immune system detects a perceived threat, it produces white blood cells to eliminate the intruder. This means that the body considers some of its organs as foreign material. The direct cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unclear.
III. Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This form of arthritis originates from knee trauma resulting from physical injury. Accidents and extreme activities can break bones and dislocate joints. The fractured bones gradually destroy the articular cartilage causing inflammation, pain, and limiting movement. Other causes of chronic knee pain include hemophilia, unusual bone growth, gout, deformity, and death of knee tissues or bone. In summary, one needs knee replacement due to;
- Joint stiffness, swelling, and severe pain affecting mobility
- Chronic and unbearable knee pain, which affects the quality of life
- Knee disorders affecting social life and working conditions
Knee replacements will help the patient resume everyday tasks such as bathing, walking, and using the staircase without assistance.
Knee Replacement Surgery Prevention
The need for knee replacement surgery can be prevented. It is worth considering your options before it’s too late, especially if the pain, trauma, and medical expenses are not worth it to you. A few key tips to reduce your risk of requiring this procedure are as follows.
I. Weight Loss
If you are overweight, this can be a massive contributor to knee problems over time. The knees are designed to hold a specific weight that shouldn’t be exceeded if possible. Regular exercise and improving your diet can help shed extra weight. Consider taking up activities such as swimming which burns calories without destroying the knees further. If you would like nutritional advice, consult a dietician.
II. Strengthen Leg Muscles
The quadriceps and hamstrings are vital to protecting the knee joint from further damage. The stronger they are, the lower the risk of cartilage damage becomes. You don’t only need a physical therapist during knee replacement recovery; they should also recommend physical exercises that help strengthen thigh muscles. With stronger thigh muscles, your knees should hurt less while walking or jogging and preserve the joints better.
III. Maintaining Flexibility
Another way of evading knee replacement surgery is keeping the knees flexible by maintaining frequent movement. Biking, riding, jogging, and regular walks to strengthen muscles help keep the knees flexible. Yoga classes run under a qualified teacher can help boost overall body flexibility. The stretches aim to remove stiffness, further reducing your risk. Other flexibility exercises include;
- Walking
- Water aerobics
- Recumbent cycling
- Bodyweight exercises, for example, leg lifts
- Elliptical training
IV. Healthy Diet
Food is one of the easiest ways to keep healthy. It provides the body with the much-needed nutrients to reduce joint inflammation and repair itself. However, excessive intake can lead to obesity, putting extreme stress on the knees. Be mindful of what you eat, and stay mindful.
Optional: Anti-Inflammatory Injections
Inflammation and pain can confine you to a sedentary lifestyle. While not ideal or a top-of-the-list solution, Botox or corticosteroid injections help lower inflammation levels in the knees. Anti-inflammatory injections can save the knee if the damage is not extensive. Reduced inflammation translates to more flexibility and less pain in problematic areas.
Proactivity is Key
A knee replacement is a last-resort surgery to relieve knee pain and inflammation. Once the damaged parts are replaced with an artificial knee, this can greatly improve the quality of life for sufferers of chronic knee pain. Many strenuous activities, injuries, trauma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatic arthritis can destroy the knee and its cartilage, increasing the risk of requiring this surgery.
However, being proactive with your knee health can save you from dealing with these issues in the future. Implementing the tactics listed in this article and using a knee brace when applicable can reduce the chances of your knees deteriorating and allow you to live a full and healthy life free from disease.
if you are suffering from knee pain or would like to take steps to mitigate further or potential damage to your knees, contact our team to inquire about our custom-fit knee braces.
