Simply walking in the morning, climbing heights, or even just sitting on the couch, who doesn’t love this? But when the joint hurts, knee pain becomes intolerable, and even simple movements become difficult. It’s important to know the signs you need knee replacement surgery, as this is the only option to eradicate the root cause of knee pain.
People often try everything from medications to therapies, but there comes a stage when these treatments no longer provide relief. And knee pain is getting worse day by day. That’s the time when people only have a total knee replacement option.
Here in this blog, Dr Kishore Kumar Panda shares useful insights on 10 signs that help you understand the need for total knee replacement surgery.
When will you need knee replacement surgery? 10 signs you can’t ignore
According to the Journal of Arthroplasty, 90% feel satisfied and relieved after knee replacement surgery. Several signs indicate the need for knee replacement surgery:
#1 Continuous knee pain
It’s hard to deny that persistent knee pain is difficult to treat with traditional treatments such as pain-reducing medicines or home remedies. This indicates the need for knee replacement surgery.
#2 Difficulty in walking/ standing
Standing and walking become challenging when you have knee pain. Even when walking a short distance, individuals need physical support, such as a walker, a cane, or someone to walk along with them.
#3 Muscle stiffness
Knee pain makes a person’s muscles stiff. A person feels pain while bending or straightening the knee as their muscles tighten because of joint damage.
#4 Swelling surrounding the knee
This seems normal if swelling happens occasionally, but continuous swelling leads to pain and inflammation. This can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis and other joint conditions, such as cartilage damage and chronic synovitis.
#5 Every day activities seem difficult
Everyone has gone through knee pain in their life, but it is sometimes treated on its own or with medications. But when it starts interfering with daily activities such as walking, climbing, driving, sleeping, or even just sitting, it’s time you consult an orthopaedic consultant.
#6 Developing a knee deformity
Knee deformity starts with simple knee pain, which, when left untreated and combined with continuous high-impact activities despite the knee pain, can cause arthritis or eventually lead to knee deformity.
#7 When pain affects your sleep
Many people have doubts, such as, “Why is knee pain worse when sleeping?” As per Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, nighttime brings a drop in the body’s anti-inflammatory hormones, and joint fluid accumulates in one part of the affected knee. Together, these cause extra pressure on the joints and cause more pain. Because of a lack of complete sleep, a person remains fed up all day.
#8 When conventional treatments seem ineffective
People always opt for conventional treatments such as pain-relief medications, massage, and therapies. But these modalities are only effective when the knee pain occurs occasionally or in the initial stage. But if a person doesn’t get any relief from these treatments, then there is a chance that they should think about knee replacement surgery.
#9 Diagnostic tests reveal serious joint damages
Before suggesting a treatment option, an orthopaedic surgeon always performs diagnostic tests such as imaging tests or X-rays. If the patient is diagnosed with severe joint and cartilage damage or arthritis, the doctor suggests knee replacement as an effective treatment option.
#10 Pain while climbing stairs
Climbing stairs requires tremendous energy as our body forcefully pushes legs and the upper body forward. During knee pain, it’s hard to climb, especially when the knee pain occurs persistently.
Conclusion
You feel sleepless. You feel restricted all day. Even, instead of enjoying yourself with your family, you feel isolated. That’s how joint pain makes your life worse. Maybe conventional treatment provides short-term relief, but it doesn’t address the root cause of your knee pain. It’s time to be serious about understanding these signs you need knee replacement surgery. Undoubtedly, it’s hard to decide regarding the treatment, but it’s an important one if you want to walk again fearlessly. You can even contact Dr Kishore Kumar Panda, the best orthopaedic surgeon in Bhubaneswar, who has treated many people with joint pain.
Before joint pain ruins your life, book your appointment to get the right consultation and treatment.
