Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is one of the most life-altering surgical procedures available for people dealing with chronic knee pain. Although this surgery can severely increase the quality of life, it is rarely one of the first options available. TKR is usually selected after exploring many other non-invasive alternatives. Other factors TKR Milwaukee patients should consider include the severity of the knee pain, age, lifestyle, and health.

Follow along as we break down the key considerations in opting for TKR, focusing on identifying the right time for a surgery, along with detailed diagnosis, treatment options, and symptoms.

Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis

Knees are one of the most intricate joints in the human body, and they bear the weight of almost any bodily movement. Many factors such as physical injuries and haywire genetics can lead to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post traumatic arthritis, which can be associated with pain in the knees.

Patients usually seek consultation with orthopedic surgeons for TKR due to the amortization of the knees’ soft tissues. This condition is also known as osteoarthritis. There the cartilage in the knee experiences degeneration and culminates to bone conctacting eachother, aka inflammation, aka intense pain.

Common Symptoms That May Indicate the Need for Knee Replacement

If one knows the factors and symptoms of a disease or ailment in advance they can take efficient measures and steps to curb the escalation. Some universal symptoms are:

• Constant pain in and around the area of knee region that rubs about the daily
• Deformation of the knee in the shape of bow or in juts
• Reduced ability to easliy and comfortably bend his/her
• Inability to walk or stand upwards without difficulty or wobbling and lack of
• Night time disturbances and jerks while sleeping due to existing
• Puffiness and Swelling that does not result and is emphasized due to other rest ad
• Pointed pains during movement of the knee

These rheumatic conditions or symptoms are efficient in diagnosing some of orthopedic disorders ranging from osteoarthritis to technical joint issues.

Book an Appointment Now at East Point Hospital to order a comprehensive knee assessment

Diagnostic Process

Before diagnosing the remote knee amputation, a thorough orthopedic assessment is essential and the individual steps include.

• Medical History Review: A total assessment should start by consulting the patient on which procedures they have been issued with before, suffered physical injuries from, and how old dislocations they have been treated alongside the identifiable symptoms of their severity, duration with repetitiveness integrated.
• Spatial Examination: Elucidate, observe, patient with set range, tendons, necrosed, capsule include swelling and rest which includes the knee joint.
• Auxiliary Examination: Take visible demonstration of the configuration of bones and joints accessibility and literal impairment. X-ray will make visible to the eyes whether any form of joints fracture has been exposed.
• Lab Tests: Autoimmune diseases or rheumatoid arthritis may be investigated through blood tests.

When Is the Right Time for Total Knee Replacement?

If conservative treatments do not relieve the condition, surgery is considered. You might be a candidate for TKR if:

• Enduring invasive treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, and assistive devices, do not alleviate symptoms.
• Persistent knee pain is a significant barrier to work or lowers overall life
• The patient cannot carry out daily living activities such as rising from a chair, walking short distances, or stair climbing.
• There is advanced joint deterioration from continual wear-and-tear, showing on X-ray or MRI scans.
• Episodic severe joint instability or deformity is present.

The patient’s age is no longer a strict limiting factor. Although TKR was historically conducted on the older population, younger, active patients with advanced joint damage are now candidates too.

Non-Surgical Options First

Prior to proceeding with surgery, the following treatments may be considered:

• Lifestyle Modifications – Losing weight,
• Therapeutic Exercise – Increasing the strength of the surrounding
• Using Pain Aids – Anti-inflammatories, creams, or steroid
• Using Mobility Aids – Custom made orthotics, braces,

In the scenario where these steps do not improve your condition and continues to restrict your range of movement, you might want to consider a Total Knee Replacement.

What to Expect from a Total Knee Replacement

During TKR, surgeons will remove the ailing sections of the knee joint which include bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. These will then be substituted with metallic and plastic parts. The objective is to alleviate discomfort as well as improve function and mobility of the knee joint.

Advantages of TKR:

• Elimination of
• Greater movement of the knee
• Improved quality of
• Perfectly functional for many

Disadvantages:

• Post-operative
• Development of Blood Clots
• Loosening or wearing of the Implant over
• Several Weeks of Rehabilitation & Recovery

If you wish to reduce the complications that can come with the surgery and improve the results of the surgery, opt for an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and a reputable hospital like East Point Hospital.

Still contemplating surgeries? Book an Appointment Now for a second opinion with our orthopaedic experts at East Point Hospital.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery has a lot of significance after knee replacement surgery. Here is the most typical recovery timeline:

• Hospital Stay: 2-4 Days (depending on your condition)
• Physical Therapy: Begins within 1-2 days of surgery
• Mobility Aids: Walker or cane may be required on a temporary basis
• Pain Management: Ice therapy and analgesic medication in pain relief are common
• Normal Activities: Resumed after 6-12 weeks of surgery by most patients

Why East Point Hospital for Knee Replacement?

What we offer at East Point Hospital includes:

• Experienced orthopaedic surgeons
• Operational surgical suites
• All-embracing rehabilitation assistance
• Patient Consultation and Education, openly
• Postoperative management tailored to individuals

FAQs

1. How long does a knee replacement last?

Durability of a knee replacement is performed well usually lasts 15 to 20 years or more but varies with activity level, weight, and general health.

2. Is knee replacement painful?

Most surgeries these days, with new techniques in surgery and anaesthesia, pain is during the process itself is virtually non-existent. Pain after surgery is controlled with analgesics, and most patients feel relief from long-standing knee pain in a matter of weeks.

3. Are both knees capable of being replaced at the same time?

Yes, this form of surgery is called bilateral knee replacement. It is sometimes advised to patients who have both knees severely damaged, though not all patients qualify. Your doctor will consider your health profile before offering any advice.

Conclusion

Total knee replacement is indeed a decision of enormous magnitude and requires extreme precision on the time of execution. If all conservative options have been pursued and knee pain still interferes with your daily life, consider surgical treatment options. The first step towards better movement and getting back to the activities you love is through consulting a skilled orthopedic surgeon.