With more than twice as many procedures performed annually since 2000, patients are now opting for knee replacement surgery at higher levels than ever before. Between 2000 and 2012, the figures for those aged 45 to 64 who were getting the operation rose an incredible 205%, showing that Baby Boomers are a primary group behind the overall increase. The joint pain that may lead to a knee surgery can arise from a lifetime of high-intensity exercise or from arthritis. The prevalence of obesity in the United States also plays a factor, since more weight leads to additional pressure on the joints.
You may have heard people praise this approach but also remain skeptical about whether surgery is the right choice. Here are five important need-to-know items and considerations before you decide on a knee replacement:
1.) It might not be well-suited for you
Research from Virginia Commonwealth University suggested that knee replacements are often performed when it is not a good fit for the patient. The research team demonstrated that fully one-third of those who received the surgery were NOT strong candidates for it, revealing that it is often inappropriately recommended.
2.) Knee replacement surgery is excruciating
Patients often find the pain of a knee replacement operation to be overwhelming. Those who are especially prone to experiencing intense pain after knee replacement are women between 45 and 65, according to a 2014 analysis from the Hospital for Special Surgery.
3.) Recovering from a total knee replacement isn’t easy
Initially, the swelling of the joint will be extreme. Bruising and inflammation will typically stick around for three months or more. Physical therapy generally will last two to four months. Returning to work can take between three weeks and three months, depending on the job requirements and your overall physical fitness.
4.) You could have to buy new shoes
If you do go through with a total knee replacement, your ankles and feet may end up in a slightly different position. The way your foot hits the ground will change. Expect to have to get new shoes if you do have the operation so it is not a surprise expense.
5.) There are effective non-surgical options
When your knees are aching so much that they prevent you from performing the activities you love and keep you up at night, surgery can sound compelling. However, total knee replacement is often performed inappropriately, can be unnecessarily painful, and may not deliver the best possible outcome. Non-surgical treatment methods are increasingly being used for recovery from chronic knee conditions. At ViscoGen™ in Orlando, we offer an innovative new nonsurgical approach to treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain – learn more about our KneeVisc 5® treatment.
