Knee Pain
Life with a bad knee is far from comfortable. One of the most obvious and common indications that a knee replacement may be needed is pain in the knee. This tends to be a persistently moderate to severe pain, present when moving, sitting, or resting. In many cases, this pain doesn't go away with medication or after time spent with your feet up.
If you are preparing to talk to your orthopedist about possibly having your knee replaced, you may want to keep track of your pain levels throughout the day. When do you have your worst pain? Is there any kind of consistency to it? Are there triggers that make it worse, such as rainy weather or exercise? How would you describe your pain? Any specifics you can provide will help your orthopedist identify the best course of action for you.
Knee Stiffness
Many (if not most) people experience joint stiffness to some degree at times, but if your knee is consistently stiff and hinders your range of motion, you may need a replacement. Knees that call for surgery are often particularly stiff after getting up in the morning or sitting for a long period of time. It may be difficult for you to fully straighten or bend your leg.
Disruption of Normal Life
You may find that surgery is necessary to be able to do the things you used to, whether that be getting around on your own or simply sleeping through the night. Those who feel limited by their knees often experience a major change in quality of life after their knee replacement.
Other Treatments Aren't Enough
In most cases, surgery is not the first treatment your orthopedist will try. Many of those suffering from knee pain are able to find relief through other means, such as medication, physical therapy, and weight loss. If you have already been through other treatments with minimal or no positive results, the next logical option for you may be a knee replacement.
If your knee is holding you back, don't hesitate to make an appointment with an orthopedist like the one found at www.drlivingston-ortho.com. If surgery proves your best option, try not to be intimidated by the procedure or recovery process. Focus instead on your potential increase in mobility and decrease in pain.