There are thousands of individuals each year who receive a knee replacement. This surgery is extremely common and successful. However, many individuals don’t want to undergo such an invasive and painful procedure. But unfortunately, there are many reasons why an individual may need to consider this type of procedure. Here are a few reasons why an individual may need a knee replacement.
Extreme Pain
Prior to a surgery, many individual can experience intense pain as they go about their day. They may feel sharp pains and stabbing sensations as they walk, go up and down stairs, or even run and play sports. While some medications can help reduce the pain, it is not a long-term solution and the knees will eventually get worse. In fact, if the pain is almost unbearable and limits what you do each day, you should visit a doctor right away to determine the best course of treatment such as a knee replacement.
Following an Injury
There are some injuries that can cause permanent damage to the knee. Whether you were playing a competitive impact sport or you just fell and landed on your knee incorrectly, these events can have an impact on your knee and, over time, can permanently damage it and you will require medical attention. If you experience limited mobility, excessive pain, and notice changes in your knee, you should seek medical attention to determine if additional treatment is needed.
Your Knee is No Longer Steady
Sometimes, your knee just becomes weak and you have a hard time putting any pressure on it. You may be standing there and your knee simply gives out and you fall to the floor. While this may happen occasionally, if this is a common occurrence, you may need a knee replacement. This can be a sign of arthritis, a common reason many individuals require joint replacements.
Treatment Options Before Surgery
If you have difficulties with your knee, a knee replacement may not be the first treatment option. Some doctors will suggest an individual lose excess weight, which puts less pressure on the knee. Others may receive steroid shots or begin physical therapy to help strengthen the knee.
Things to Consider If You Need a Replacement
If your doctor discovers you may need a knee replacement, you may should consider all your options for the surgery. New technology such as robotic joint replacements area make these procedures more precise and can improve your recovery. You should also make a list of possible questions and concerns you have for the doctor so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
If you would like to request a consultation with one of the knee replacement specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute (OSI), please call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online. OSI is Northeast Wisconsin’s exclusive provider of Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery for Hips & Knees.
OSI has convenient locations to serve you. In addition to the flagship facility in Appleton, you will find outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.
The Appleton location also has a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries.
For post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation, Recovery Inn is located on the OSI Appleton campus. Recovery Inn – the first orthopedics-only recovery facility in the nation attached to a surgery center – feels more like a hotel than a medical facility. At OSI, you can have your surgery and recover without leaving the building. Physical and occupational therapy take place steps from your room, where you will be rehabbing with the nationally recognized therapists from Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Recovery Inn Executive Director Shaena Van Handel at (920) 560-1066.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.