It’s not unusual to get a knee injury if you play sports or do a lot of heavy lifting. As you age, your knees and other joints become more prone to injury and damage. You might also get a knee injury from an accident, such as a trip or fall. Most of the time, you can recover from a knee injury with a bit of rest. However, there are specific cases, such as a severe injury or arthritis, where you might need knee replacement surgery.
Let’s talk about these conditions and where you can go for outstanding knee replacement surgery in Farmington Hills, MI.
Why Would I Need Knee Replacement Surgery?
Some knee injuries only need a little rest to recover. Healthcare professionals typically only recommend knee replacement surgery to treat pain and disability.
Arthritis
The most common reason to get a knee replacement is arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative disease that will get worse as time goes by. Severe cases of arthritis can make it difficult to walk and move around. It will also cause patients a lot of pain, especially in later stages.
If you have arthritis, you might be able to manage it through other methods, such as painkillers. However, severe arthritis is a disability that might make doing some tasks difficult or impossible.
The types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis — the cartilage in your joint wears down over time or due to heavy use
- Rheumatoid arthritis — an immune system disorder where your immune system attacks and damages your joint
- Post-traumatic arthritis — a severe knee injury might permanently damage your joint
Gout
Gout is also a form of arthritis. It causes severe and sudden pain, usually accompanied by swelling in the knee. It can also have other symptoms, such as fever and loss of appetite.
There are other ways to treat gout, such as:
- Lifestyle changes
- Diet changes
- Painkillers
However, you might need a knee replacement if your gout is severe.
Bone Growths
Your bones can grow small, sharp growths called bone spurs. These bone spurs can go undetected for several years until they get large. Once they’ve grown, they cause pain and make it difficult to move the affected joint.
Bone spurs are usually an effect of arthritis, but they might grow for other reasons.
Bone Death
Your bones also need blood flow just like any other body part. If you have a problem in your circulatory system, the bones in your knee might not receive enough blood, leading to bone death. Bone death causes the bone to crack and fragment over several years. Eventually, the bone might break or collapse.
Injury
Your orthopedic doctor might also recommend a total knee replacement if you’ve suffered a severe knee injury. A knee injury might leave your bones fractured or permanently damaged, especially if your knee was struck by something. Damage like this can make it difficult and painful to move your knee.
Things to Consider After Knee Replacement Surgery
A knee replacement surgery effectively addresses most health conditions affecting the knee. However, a patient should also consider making lifestyle changes to improve their recovery and the longevity of their new joint.
Weight Loss
Having a lot of weight increases the strain on all your joints. It’s particularly noticeable in the knees, as they take a significant portion of the strain. Decreasing your weight can reduce this strain, helping your knees stay healthier.
Decrease Alcohol Intake
One of the most common symptoms of arthritis and other knee problems is swelling. Alcohol has inflammatory effects, meaning it increases swelling. The swelling may increase pain and worsen your condition.
Stop Smoking
Smoking shrinks your blood vessels, making it more difficult for your body to circulate blood. Decreased circulation can damage your bones.
Dietary Changes
Cholesterol and fats can block your blood vessels, also decreasing blood supply to your bones.
Why Shouldn’t I Get Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is typically very effective. However, there are various reasons why it might not be the best choice for you.
Your Health Condition Is Not Severe
It’s possible to treat many knee conditions with more conservative methods. These methods might include:
- Painkillers
- Corticosteroids for inflammation
- Lifestyle changes
- Dietary changes
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Orthotics
These methods can slow down arthritis progression. In less severe cases, you might be able to avoid knee replacement surgery.
Specific Health Conditions
Specific health conditions can prevent you from getting knee replacement surgery. These conditions typically involve damage to your body that might either make a knee replacement surgery ineffective or require significant treatment. Some examples include:
- Septic arthritis
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Skin conditions, like excessive scarring or psoriasis in the area
- Some neurological conditions.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Farmington Hills, MI
Are you looking for the best orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist in Naples, FL? Look no further than the healthcare providers at Tri-County Orthopedics. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in orthopedic surgeries and are up-to-date on the latest advancements that can further help our patients live better lives.
If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, call us today at (248) 474-5575 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
We look forward to helping you get back to 100%!
