How to Know When you Need a Knee Replacement

There are many things we can do to treat knee pain without surgery. But how do you know when surgery is indicated? Here are three common reasons that lead to a knee replacement surgery.

Pain prevents you from walking short distances. If you have some knee pain after walking long distances this can be managed by taking breaks or shorter trips. But if your knee pains you to get up and go to the bathroom, surgery may be the solution to fixing your severe and debilitating pain. People often get relief from weight bearing pain after a total knee replacement. And after the rehab process (after the surgery) people often has improved range of motion as well.

Pain prevents you from sleeping. If your knee pain is preventing you from getting a restful nights sleep this could be increasing your pain. If you body cannot get the appropriate rest at night it can lead to continued inflammation in the body. This inflammation can lead to more knee pain. Having surgery can reduce the pain in the long term, allowing you to get the rest you need. Your body will better be able to heal itself with rest.

The knee is unstable and at risk for buckling. If your knee arthritis is extremely severe it can effect the stability of the joint. If the joint has many bony changes it can prevent the knee from supporting your body weight, putting you at risk for falls. Having the joint replaced can prevent this instability and prevent other injuries. And many people report improved balance after the surgery (and rehab is complete).

The good news is after surgery many of these issues go away. And physical therapy can help reduce surgical pain and swelling, plus improve the strength of the legs. Most people start feeling like themselves after about 3 months. For more information about knee replacement surgery and the rehab process afterwards visit www.saramikulsky.com