Why you should not delay Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement is a surgery to relieve pain and disability in the knee joints. Severe knee pain, knee stiffness, swelling and inflammation in the knee are symptoms of needing a knee replacement. In this process, the surgeon replaces the damaged part of the knee with metal parts. Damaged joints and the surrounding tissue can make daily life activities very difficult.

Knee Replacement Surgery is the most common way to get rid of pain and disability. But a lot of people delay this due to a number of reasons such as fear or any misinformation given by acquaintances. Delaying this surgery can lead to dangers such as increased pain and deterioration of the joint and tissues. If the joint is less damaged doctors use a less invasive, non-surgical method to cure the pain. If the joint is in a severe condition doctor recommend the surgical process. Accordingly, the more you delay, the more complex the surgery becomes. Watch out for these signs, as they indicate the immediacy of this knee surgery:

1. Your pain is severe
2. Your age is between 50-80 years
3. You have a lot of difficulty and pain performing everyday tasks
4. Medicines and painkillers do not help in reducing pain

At times, one may need to get both knees replaced at the same time. This is called bilateral knee replacement surgery. Although there might be more pain than a single knee surgery- it has its own advantages- such as lesser recovery period, as it is performed under one anesthesia in a single hospital. As opposed to individual replacements which will require more time and recovery than the former. The recovery period for a knee replacement surgery is usually 3 months. The patient is discharged within the first 3-4 days of the surgery. Usually, during this time the patient’s knee gets stronger, so the painkillers are reduced. However, every individual is different and his/her recovery period varies accordingly.

Dr Chirag Thonse, from Apollo Spectra Hospitals, an orthopaedist with 10 years of experience, has given a few tips for a faster recovery after Knee Replacement Surgery. One can follow these when required.

1. Physical Therapy Physical Therapy or Physiotherapy is very essential as it provides you with techniques that will help you strengthen your muscles which can help in easing daily activities. The therapist may ask you to walk a few steps with very little help or attach a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine that prevents stiffness in the muscle.
2. Exercise Try simple exercises like bending and straightening of your leg, add a rolled towel underneath your knee in order to improve extension and flexibility.
3. Avoid stress on the knee Lifting heavy weight objects can put stress on the knee and damage it. Monitor the way you get up, sit down and etc., and avoid any kind of stress on the knee.
4. Keep an ice pad handy Putting the ice pad on your knee can reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Avoid high impact activities As you recover you will be tempted to resume your sports etc. However, it is advised to refrain from activities like playing or even running. It might trigger severe pain and damage sensitive areas of the knee.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 90% of the people who have had a knee replacement surgery have a lot lesser/negligible pain. This helps them in performing daily activities with ease. The procedure has a high success rate in India and is considered safe. The Apollo Spectra advantage is that it provides you with a knee replacement surgery with minimally invasive technology and near-zero infection rates. It provides you with the best Orthopaedic care in India with expert solutions to all your Knee and Joint problems.