Knee Arthritis and Total Knee Replacement
Knee arthritis is a common condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time.
Understanding Knee Arthritis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Knee arthritis is a common condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint, making it difficult to perform daily activities. If you’re experiencing symptoms of knee arthritis, surgical management may be an option to help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
The symptoms of knee arthritis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness in the knee joint, especially after periods of inactivity or overuse.
- Swelling and tenderness around the knee joint.
- Limited range of motion.
- Difficulty with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.
Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis
The treatment options for knee arthritis depend on the severity of the condition and your individual needs. Conservative (non-surgical) treatments such as physiotherapy, weight loss, and pain medication may be effective for some patients. However, if conservative treatments fail to provide relief, or your condition is severe, surgery may be beneficial.
Surgical Management of Knee Arthritis
Surgical management of knee arthritis typically involves a procedure to replace the arthritic knee with an artificial joint. This is known as total knee replacement surgery and is a common treatment option for patients with advanced knee arthritis.
During the procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replace it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. The goal is to help alleviate pain and restore function to the knee joint.
Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery
Recovery from knee replacement surgery typically involves a short stay in hospital (average 1-2 nights) with physiotherapy to help restore strength and range of motion in the knee joint. Immediately after the surgery your knee will be painful and swollen, and the first few weeks can be quite tough. It is important to work hard to get the range of motion back, and the swelling down as quickly as you are able. It can take up to 6 weeks to feel a real benefit from the surgery, and the pain relief continues to improve for the first 1 – 2 years.
Is Knee Replacement Surgery Right for You?
The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the extent of your knee damage, and your personal goals for treatment. Your orthopaedic surgeon can help you determine if knee replacement surgery is a viable treatment option for you based on a thorough evaluation of your condition. Depending on your specific knee problem, a Total or Partial knee replacement Total or Partial knee replacement or a High Tibial Osteotomy may be the right option for you.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of knee arthritis, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
