When your car brakes start grinding or a lightbulb in your kitchen goes out, it’s pretty obvious when these things need to be replaced, but it’s not always easy to know when you should swap out something old for something new. Many of our patients are interested in learning more about knee replacement, but they aren’t sure if their knee has progressed to the point that replacement would be their best option. In today’s blog, we take a look at some of the indications that it might be time to consider knee replacement surgery.
Is My Knee Ready To Be Replaced?
A consultation with a knee specialist like Dr. Botero can give you a better idea as to whether or not a knee replacement operation is right for you, but the following factors are some good signs that you could benefit from the procedure.
- Knee Pain Severely Impacts Your Daily Life – If you have significant knee pain during certain activities, or you choose not to participate in some activities because the pain would be too much, that’s a clear cut sign that you may be an ideal candidate for knee replacement surgery. Knee pain is not something you should just grit your teeth and power through, because you have options available to you that can greatly increase your quality of life. Don’t let a degenerative knee hold you back.
- Unresponsive To Conservative Care – Before you progress to surgery, your physician will want to see if your body responds well to conservative options. Treatments like exercise, stretching and physical therapy can help calm symptoms and make life more bearable, sometimes preventing the need for an operation altogether. However, if your knee just isn’t responding well to weeks of conservative care, a more hands-on treatment like replacement surgery may be necessary.
- Medications Aren’t Helping – In the beginning stages of your knee pain, you may have been able to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and get through the day with just a bit of discomfort. As your knee joint deteriorates further, this pain becomes more difficult to mask. Eventually, OTC medications will no longer make it easy to get through the day. Once you’re at this stage, a knee replacement may be in your future.
- Not Walking Normal – If knee pain is causing you to walk with a hitch in your step, or it means that you need a cane or a walker to get around, that’s a sign there’s something seriously wrong in your knee. If pain or dysfunction is causing you to walk with an inhibited gait, it may be time to consult with a knee replacement surgeon.
- You’re Over 50 – This factor alone isn’t enough to warrant a new knee, but many patients who are over 50 and who have at least one of the above factors are ideal candidates for knee replacement surgery. We’ve performed the operation on younger patients, but the majority of knee replacement patients are between 50-75 years old, so age can also be an indication that you might be ready for a replacement.
For more information about knee replacement surgery, or to talk with a specialist about your treatment options, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today.
