Whether it’s a fall, a vehicular accident, or age, there’s a lot of things that can cause pain to that section of the body. It’s made of different ligaments that actually connect to different bones, which makes this area a little more fragile. Whether it’s a pulled or torn ligament, it can be rather uncomfortable to deal with on a regular basis. If it’s something more serious, a good physician needs to provide the person a knee replacement option. These are a few options to weigh before coming to a decision.
What’s the Point of Getting This Type of Treatment in the First Place?
Sometimes, there’s no getting around severe pain, stiffness, or a lack of function in the near area. That’s why it’s always a good idea to seek a good second opinion from a reputable physician. For the elderly, they could start suffering from arthritis, which can cause severe discomfort with the cartilage in the knee. While completely replacing it may not be the first option, the pain and arthritis people may have could be an indicator that something is wrong. If caught early enough, there could be some measures taken to prevent a surgery. However, to those that lead a sedentary life, speak with a specialist for a good treatment plan. This can ultimately help with long-term relief. Also, make sure to know what alternatives are available instead of surgery.
Find Out the Alternatives to a Surgery
The pain and stiffness in the body might not be a direct issue from that section. Rather it could be a problem that stems from something else. For example, obesity makes it harder to perform in its peak performance. It takes a toll on the body, which means the joints are stressed to the point where nagging pain can develop over time. As a result, some form of exercise may be recommended by a doctor. It’ll not only increase blood flow to different joints, but the weight loss helps in keeping the body limber and less inflamed. Also, eating right can help detox the body and keep it functioning at an optimal level. Another thing to do before getting treatment is ask the physician questions.
Ask Questions About the Treatment
It’s never a bad idea to know the ins and outs of surgery. If there are any red flags to clear up, get to know the specialist and how they perform the surgery. Are there any complications? How long does the procedure take? What’s the recovery time after surgery? What preparation must be made before the day of the procedure? A reputable doctor can answer these questions as it correlates to a specific treatment needed for their patient.
These are a few things to know before replacing a joint.
Let’s Begin
Request a consultation with one of the orthopedic specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute. Call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online.
OSI has convenient locations to serve you. The campus in Appleton includes clinics, a surgery center, MRI, physical therapy, and a skilled nursing facility, as well as a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries. OSI has outreach clinics in Green Bay, New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location at 600 N. Koeller Street in Oshkosh.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.