Your knees are some of the hardest-working joints in your body. They enable you to walk, run, jump, and bend, allowing you to do the physical activities you enjoy as well as the daily tasks you need to get through your day. With all this activity and strain, it's no wonder that your knees may eventually need some help.
If you've been in chronic knee pain for some time, it may be time to talk to your doctor about a knee replacement. While total knee replacements may sound daunting, modern knee replacement surgery is very successful in relieving pain and restoring function.
But how do you know that knee replacements are the right treatment options for you? How bad does a knee have to be before replacement?
At Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates (GPOA), our team of orthopaedic knee specialists has extensive experience in performing knee joint replacement surgery and offering patients lasting relief. Here are ten signs that indicate it may be time to consider this procedure:
1. You Have Chronic Knee Pain
Do you have chronic, severe pain in your knee that's not relieved by rest or over-the-counter pain medications? Severe pain is the most common symptom that leads patients to seek treatment from an orthopaedic specialist.
2. Your Knee Pain Prevents Your Daily Activities
Your knee pain may be manageable when you're resting or doing low-impact activities, but as soon as you try to do something more strenuous, the pain becomes unbearable. If your knee pain is interfering with your ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy your favorite activities, it's time to talk to a GPOA orthopaedic specialist.
3. You've Tried Other Treatments Without Success
If you've tried other treatments for your knee pain, such as physical therapy, weight loss, and anti-inflammatory medications, and they haven't been able to provide you with the pain relief you need, knee replacement surgery may be the next step.
4. You Have Bone-on-Bone Arthritis
If you have arthritis in your knee that has progressed to the point where there is no cartilage left between the bones (bone-on-bone arthritis), a partial or total knee replacement may be the best option to relieve your pain.
5. You Have Knee Instability
If you have knee instability, meaning your knee gives way when you walk or puts you at risk for falls, this increases your risk of serious injury. Partial or total knee replacement surgery can help correct this instability and reduce your risk of future injury.
6. You Have a Knee Deformity
If you have a knee deformity, such as a bowed leg or a knocked-knee, this can put extra strain on your knee joint and lead to pain. Partial or total knee replacement surgery can help correct the deformity and relieve the pain.
7. You Have Severe Knee Swelling
If you notice swelling that is severe and unable to be relieved by rest or medications, this may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as arthritis or infection. Having your knees replaced can help correct the underlying condition and relieve the swelling.
8. You Have Knee Pain at Night
If you have knee pain that wakes you up at night or interferes with your sleep, this may be a sign that your pain is severe and not responding to other treatments. Knee replacement surgery can help relieve this pain and allow you to get a good night's sleep.
9. You're Over the Age of 65
As we age, our risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that can lead to knee pain increases. If you're over the age of 65 and have chronic knee pain, knee replacement surgery may be the best option to relieve your pain.
10. You're Ready to Make a Change
If you've made the decision that you're ready to do something about your knee pain, GPOA is here to help. Our team of orthopaedic specialists will work with you to develop a treatment plan that's best for you.
If you're struggling with any of these symptoms, don't suffer in silence. A knee replacement procedure performed by the GPOA specialists can help you get your life back, and with our passion for minimally-invasive surgical techniques such as knee arthroplasty, you can be sure that your recovery process will be as smooth as possible.
If you're experiencing any of these knee problems and you’re ready to receive treatment from the top knee doctor Pittsburgh has to offer, schedule your first appointment with Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates today. Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
