For some time, you’ve tried more conservative treatments to manage your knee pain. But they might not be as effective. What is the right time to consider surgery?
Timing is crucial to maximizing the benefits of the procedure. Many people find it easy to extend the timeframe for their replacement. Many of our patients who have had knee replacements tell us they regret waiting so long.
How do you find the right spot for knee replacement surgery? We will be covering some key factors that can help you determine if your knees are ready for replacement.
What is the best time to have knee replacement surgery?
Northwestern Medicine recently found that 90% of knee replacement patients are not waiting enough. The study did however reveal that 25% of patients have the procedure done too soon.
How can you tell if your surgery is delayed or skipped?
It’s not a certain level of pain or immobility which indicates it’s time to have a knee replacement. It’s a combination a number of factors that you are unique to.
- Your age
- How to treat knee pain
- Your medical history
- How much pain you feel in your knees
- How well your knees work
These factors are considered by orthopedic doctors when deciding whether a knee replacement is possible. This is a crucial step as surgery is not always the best or only option. This can also have an effect on the cost for a knee replacement. A doctor must “order” a replacement to be eligible for insurance coverage.
Here are some indicators that it may be time to have a knee replacement.
- Take note of any changes in your knee pain. Have you noticed that some over-the-counter pain medications don’t offer the same relief? Are you having trouble sleeping because of your knee pain? Is your knee pain making it difficult for you to do the things you love, such as playing a favorite sport or gardening?
- Pay attention to your attitude towards daily activities. Do you avoid certain tasks due to pain? If you experience knee pain that interferes with your daily activities, it is time to see a doctor.
- Pay attention how your knees feel while you are moving up and down stairs. How do you feel when you sit or stand for long periods? How about getting in and driving? These activities are often made difficult or impossible by pain. This is a sign that you need to reevaluate your pain management.
Make an appointment with the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi if you see any of these symptoms. Your doctor will listen carefully to your concerns, address your lifestyle, and goals, and ask questions. Together, they will create a customized treatment plan.
What are the potential risks associated with delaying knee replacement surgery?
Simply put, the longer that you delay getting a knee replacement, you will put more strain on your knees and live with increased pain, stiffness, or mobility problems. There are other factors to consider:
- If your knee condition gets worse, you may have to give up on your daily activities, hobbies, and exercise. This can cause depression, as well as other conditions like diabetes.
- Rehabilitation and healing after surgery can take longer. If you delay surgery too long you may experience loss of mobility or function in your joint. Your body will age faster and you are more likely to develop other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Whether you take these factors individually or together, it can be more difficult and take longer to rebuild strength after knee replacement surgery.
- A new joint may not provide the best mobility and function.
How can I avoid knee replacement surgery?
A knee replacement can be done at a median age of 70 years. Some people choose to have knee replacement surgery at a young age.
Younger people might consider a knee replacement if they are very active or are athletes. Here are some things you should know if you are young and thinking about a knee replacement.
- Implants can fail prematurely. You may be living a more active lifestyle than people in their 60s and 70s. Activity can lead to more wear on the joint implant and cause it to fail sooner than expected. This can lead to mobility and pain issues as well as stiffness and stiffness.
- Knee implants don’t last forever, and some patients get replacements that can last up to 20 years. The longer you use your knee replacement joint, the more likely you are to need another surgery to replace the worn-out one. Knee replacement surgery is not without risks, especially for those over 50.
What should I do if I am considering knee replacement surgery?
A knee replacement can be a major decision. Make an appointment with an orthopedist in any best orthopaedics hospital in Delhi, if you feel it is time to have the conversation.
Talking to your doctor about your goals, symptoms, and medical history will help you determine if a knee replacement is the best option for you.
