5 Symptoms Indicating the Need for Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) is a surgical process in which your knee joint or some part of it is replaced by a prosthetic artificial joint. In this procedure, your surgeon removes bone and cartilage that are damaged and replaces them with a prosthesis. The healing process may take as long as a year, but with time and proper recovery, you can slowly get back to your usual routine. If you are planning to have knee replacement surgery, a consultation with the top orthopedic hospital nearby will enable you to get the best treatment and advice from specialists during your recovery period.

Find out more about the benefits of knee replacement surgery and get personalized treatment advice. Call us Today at +91 9667064100.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

A knee replacement is a procedure to replace all or part of your knee joint. It's a kind of operation known as an arthroplasty (joint replacement).
A surgeon will take out the worn components of your own knee joint and swap them with an artificial joint (a prosthesis) composed of metal and plastic.

Types of Knee Replacement

Your surgeon will advise on a total or partial knee replacement:
 

• Total knee replacement: Total knee replacement is the most frequent form of knee replacement. Your surgeon will exchange all three parts of your knee joint — the inside (medial), outside (lateral) and under your kneecap (patellofemoral).
   
• Partial knee replacement: A partial knee replacement is exactly what it's called. Your doctor will replace only a portion of your knee joint — typically if only one or two of the parts are affected. Partial knee replacements are more typical in younger adults who have had an injury or trauma.

5 Warning Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Knee pain is an illness that affects millions of people globally, in the majority of cases having a profound effect on daily function and quality of life. Despite numerous treatments for joint disease, there are individuals who will ultimately discover that knee replacement surgery is the most effective relief and function. If you are living with persistent knee pain or other objectionable symptoms, it is crucial that you sit down with the top orthopedic physician to assess your situation. In this post, we discuss five common symptoms you might have that may indicate you should get knee replacement surgery and how the best orthopedic surgeon can lead you in the direction of the proper course of treatment.

1) Chronic Pain

Recurring knee pain is often the initial indication or initial warning of a more complex underlying condition. If you find that you are having repeated pain that is not helped by rest, physical therapy, or over-the-counter medication, it might be time to look into more invasive procedures. Stabbing, aching, or throbbing pain that may become worse when you walk, climb stairs, or stand for a long time might be worth looking into more invasive procedures.

When to Seek Help: It is important to seek the advice of a medical expert if your joint pain lasts for weeks or affects your daily functioning. Whether the reason behind your pain is damage to cartilage, ligament injury, or arthritis, proper diagnosis will reveal it.

2) Reduced Mobility

Limited mobility is another indication that you might need knee replacement surgery. It can manifest itself as stiffness, being unable to bend or straighten your knee, or walking for long distances. Simple things you used to do on autopilot—taking the dog out, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair—become more difficult.
When to Seek Help: If you've been staying away from exercise because of knee pain or reduced mobility, you should talk to a doctor about your symptoms. They can order imaging tests, like X-rays or MRIs, to check on the health of your knee joint and whether surgery is required.

3) Swelling and Inflammation

Inflammation and swelling of the knee joint can also signal a variety of other conditions, such as arthritis or trauma. If your knee is swelling too often, particularly after exercise, this could be a sign that the joint is breaking down. Swelling will also come with heat on the knee if it continues, which means that there is inflammation.

When to Seek Help: A daily swelling, particularly with pain, is a symptom that cannot be neglected. If self-care measures like ice, rest, and elevation fail to bring down the swelling, a patient should seek medical assistance. He or she can determine the seriousness of your situation and suggest if knee replacement surgery can be necessitated.

4) Instability and Weakness

Instability of the knee can generate the feeling of inability of the knee to bear your weight, and therefore walking, running, or even sporting activities become challenging. Weakness of the knee joint is usually associated with this symptom, and you feel that you are not able to have complete confidence in your knee and therefore become hesitant to move.

When to Seek Help: If you are having trouble walking or are experiencing frequent instability or weakness, you need to get immediate medical help. These symptoms may be a sign of a condition that, if not treated, can elevate the risk of falls and injury. For assessment of the strength of your knee and recommendation of the most appropriate treatment, including knee replacement surgery, a visit to the top hospital for knee replacement surgery is advisable. There, an orthopaedician can carry out the requisite tests and refer you to a safe, successful treatment plan for your condition.

5) Failure of Conservative Treatments

Most patients begin with conservative methods of managing knee pain, including physical therapy, medication, corticosteroid injections, or lifestyle modification. If these measures have not been well tolerated by you, that may be a sign that your condition has now advanced to the point where more invasive intervention is necessary.

When to Get Help: You should see an orthopedic specialist if, after several months, nonsurgical approaches haven't improved your condition enough. They can evaluate your overall health and advise on the risks and benefits of knee replacement.

How do I Prepare for a Knee Replacement?

Your surgeon and doctor will tell you what you must do to prepare for surgery. In the majority of instances, you'll need:
 

• A physical check-up to confirm that you're physically fit to undergo surgery.
   
• Blood tests.
   
• An electrocardiogram to assess your heart condition.
   
• A dental check-up to reduce your risk of getting an infection after surgery.
   
• Imaging tests, like an X-ray of the knee. You might also be asked to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan.

Let your surgeon and physician know about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take. You might have to stop some medications or supplements before your surgery.
Your physician will inform you when to have nothing to eat and drink prior to your surgery the day prior to your surgery. All patients must refrain from eating and drinking for 12 hours prior to surgery.

What occurs during a knee replacement?

The surgery day, you'll receive anesthesia to knock you out so you won't feel the pain. Your anesthesiologist will give you either general anesthesia so you can be put under for the surgery or regional anesthesia to numb you from the waist down.

Your surgeon will:
 

• Cut out damaged bone and cartilage.
   
• Install the artificial knee joint.
   
• Insert a plastic spacer that replicates the smooth cushion of your destroyed or lost cartilage.
   
• Shape your kneecap (patella) to fit the new prosthetic knee joint (if needed).

How long is a Knee Replacement?

Knee replacements usually last an hour or two.

What does a Knee Replacement look like?

The artificial components that your surgeon will insert during a knee replacement are closely related to your own natural knee. Rather than bone and cartilage, the synthetic joint consists of metal and plastic. It's designed to appear like, and be identical in size to a natural knee joint.

What is the Follow-up after a Knee Replacement?

Once the operation is done, you will be taken to a recovery room. You will be monitored by your operation team for a few hours to ensure that you do not have any issues recovering from the anesthesia. Your vital signs will be monitored, and pain will be assessed.
Some patients undergoing knee replacement are sent home on the day of surgery. You may need to spend a night in the hospital. Your doctor will let you know when you can safely go home.

What are the Risks and Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery

What are the Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement is a safe, successful operation that gets patients moving and leaves chronic pain behind. The vast majority of patients who undergo knee replacement experience reduced pain, increased use and motion of the knee, and overall improvement in their well-being.  However, delaying knee replacement can lead to further joint damage, increased pain, reduced mobility, and a more difficult recovery process.

How long does a Knee Replacement last?

A replacement knee works well for most people for many years. In fact, over 90% of patients undergoing knee replacement have better function of their knee for 10 to 15 years.

What are the Possible Complications of Knee Replacement?

Some individuals who undergo knee replacement surgery continue to experience pain and other symptoms in their knee. Infrequent complications are:
 

• Blood clots.
   
• Infection in your knee or at your cut.
   
• Nerve problems.
   
• Blood vessel problems.
   
• Problems with your prosthetic implant, such as the device failing too early or loosening.
   
• Scar tissue within your knee.
   
• Decreased range of motion (how far you can bend your knee) and stiffness.

Some medical conditions will complicate recovery from a knee replacement. Discuss your medical history with your surgeon. Inform them if you have:
 

• Hemophilia.
   
• Diabetes.
   
• Other autoimmune diseases (such as lupus).

Your surgeon will describe to you what you can expect following surgery and how you can minimize your likelihood of developing complications.

Know How Long to Recover from a Knee Replacement?

It will normally take around a year to fully recover from a knee replacement. Yet, you can expect to be back doing most of your every day activities by about six weeks following surgery.

Recovery time will differ depending on a variety of issues, including:
 

• Your preoperative activity level.
   
• Your age.
   
• Other health conditions you have.

Your doctor will give you a customized plan for recovery, but typically you should:
 

• Ice your knee: Ice your knee several times daily for 20 minutes at a time to ease pain and swelling.
   
• Elevate your knee: Try to keep your knee higher than the level of your heart as much as possible. You can place it on pillows or cushions while in bed or rest it on a footstool if sitting in a chair.
   
• Take good care of your incision area: Pay close attention to your surgeon's advice well on how you should be treating your incision area. Ensure that you know when it needs to be re-dressed, when you can take a bath or a shower, etc.
   
• Home exercise: Your doctor will guide you with exercises to be completed as rapidly as possible after surgery. Your doctor will also guide you through performing exercises and movements in order to build up strength in muscles around your knee and avoid stiffness. Follow with exercises as frequently as directed by your doctor. They'll aid in recovery and put your joint back into regular functioning.
   
• Physical therapy: You will have a physical therapist to work with for as long as a few months after your surgery. They will help you safely start moving again, like bending your knee and walking.

Knee Replacement Pain Management

After surgery, you will hurt, especially during the first few weeks of your recovery. You'll have pain from the surgery itself and pain as your body begins to heal.

Your doctor will give you a regimen of prescription pain medication, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (if it is acceptable for you to use them) and acetaminophen to alleviate your pain. Your doctor will inform you how much of each drug you can take per day or within a specific time period.

Talk to your doctor if you think that you are in too much pain or concerned about side effects of taking painkillers.

When can I return to work after the Knee Replacement?

How long you are out of school or work will depend on how stressful your job or other activity is on your knee. The majority of patients need to rest at home for several weeks after a knee replacement. Your doctor will inform you when you are able to return to school or work.
 

How can I Contribute to my Recovery after a Knee Replacement?

You will be able to use a walker or cane several days after surgery. But you may need assistance with some of your activities of daily living, such as:
 

• Bathing.
   
• Cleaning.
   
• Washing clothes.
   
• Cooking.
   
• Shopping.

Think ahead and arrange for a friend or family member to assist you after surgery. Your surgeon or doctor can recommend resources if you need assistance in recovering.

Recovery will be safer and simpler if you make your home ready in advance, including:
 

• Get a shower bench or shower chair.
   
• Put in a commode chair or grab bars to assist you in getting on and off the toilet.
   
• Take out any tripping hazard such as power cords, rugs and loose carpets.
   
• Fix handrails on any stairs.

Meet the Best Doctors at Felix Hospitals for Knee Replacement Surgery 

If knee pain persists despite lifestyle changes, professional intervention is essential. The specialists at the leading hospital for knee replacement surgery include:
 

• Dr. Piyush Kumar Singh: Expert in managing complex fractures and orthopedic trauma.
   
• Dr. Keshav Goel: Specialist in foot and ankle disorders.
   
• Dr. Binay Kumar Sahu: Orthopedic specialist with a focus on sports injuries and rehabilitation.
   
• Dr. Varun Aggarwal: Authority in minimally invasive fracture procedures, including those for knee-related arthritis and joint issues.

These experts provide tailored treatment plans to address knee pain and help restore your mobility, improving your quality of life.

Consult with our expert orthopedic team today to explore if knee replacement surgery is right for you. Schedule your consultation now!

Conclusion

Total knee replacement is a highly effective way to restore the quality of life of people who experience chronic knee pain, restricted mobility, and other knee conditions. When non-surgical treatment is no longer effective and you are plagued by ongoing pain, swelling, instability, or loss of function, the time has come to think about this life-altering surgery. Though recovery is time-consuming and laborious, with proper rehabilitation and care, most of the patients have considerable improvement in mobility, pain relief, and a return to normal life.
But it's worth the cost of knee replacement surgery against a decision. It may vary with factors like a hospital, type of surgery, and your location. Always consult with your doctor to discuss your symptoms, the potential benefits, and the expense, and decide on the best action in your case.

FAQs on Knee Replacement Surgery
 

1. How long will a knee replacement last, and at what time will I need to have another one?
Ans: Knee replacements should last between 10 to 15 years or so, based on a variety of factors such as age, activity, and general health. Within 10 to 15 years, some patients will need a revision operation to swap out the prosthetic knee.

2. How long does it take to recover from knee replacement surgery?
Ans: Although it may take as long as a year to fully recover, most people can resume simple activities such as walking or driving in 6 weeks, with ongoing physical therapy assisting in the recovery of mobility and strength.

3. Can I drive after knee replacement surgery?
Ans: You can possibly drive about 6 weeks, but mostly this will be based on your recovery speed and on the leg that you had the procedure done on. It is very crucial to discuss with your surgeon first before driving.

4. Will I have to change my lifestyle after knee replacement surgery?
Ans: You will possibly need to make a few changes to your lifestyle to help your recovery, such as changing your exercise regime and not doing anything that may put too much strain on your knee. Your surgeon will give you some advice to enable you to keep leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

5. How costly is a knee replacement?
Ans: Knee replacement fees can range greatly depending on where in the hospital it's done, whether it's a partial or a total, how experienced the surgeon is, and if there are other treatments involved. Your doctor has to be asked to give an estimate of the price.

6. What are the chances of complications after knee replacement surgery?
Ans: While knee replacement surgery is generally safe, there are some risks such as infection, blood clots, and complications related to the prosthetic implant. These risks are rare, and your surgeon will take steps to minimize them and ensure your safety.

7. Can I resume sports after knee replacement surgery?
Ans: After full recovery, most individuals are able to resume swimming, biking, or walking. Nevertheless, such high-impact sporting activities as basketball or running might be less suitable because they can be too stressful for knee replacement. Always consult your surgeon to find out what are the optimal alternatives for you.