Arthritis Help Knee Replacement

Arthritis Help - Knee Replacement

If you have had arthritis in your knee or knees for a long time, sometimes the only arthritis help is from surgery. A knee replacement surgery can restore function to those that suffer from knee joint degeneration. I was informed by a surgeon once, that knee replacement surgery should only be performed as a last resort because it doesn't last forever. The surgeon cuts away all damaged bone from the kneecap, shin and thigh, when knee replacement surgery is performed. An artificial joint replaces the damaged bone.

Long ago there were only basic hinge joints, and artificial knee joints have come a long way since then. There are artificial knee joints available that will fit your age and lifestyle. These joints attempt to mimic your knee’s natural ability to roll and glide as it bends. There are specific criteria that your medical practitioner will take into account before recommending surgery for a knee replacement.

If you have pain that limits your daily activities, a knee replacement may be beneficial to you. Activities that may cause pain in a person with arthritic knees are climbing stairs, walking and getting in and out of a chair. You may even experience moderate to severe knee pain when at rest. These conditions would qualify you for knee replacement surgery.

Your medical practitioner may recommend knee replacement surgery if you have swelling and chronic knee stiffness that prevents you from straightening or bending your knee. This chronic stiffness will greatly limit your your activity level and mobility.

Your physician may take your age into consideration before he or she recommends knee replacement. A young, active, person may not be a good candidate for knee replacement surgery. The reason for this is that a younger person will wear out their new knee much faster than an older person. Therefore, a person over the age of fifty five has the advantage when it comes to qualifying for a knee replacement.

If you have tried other methods of arthritis help and they haven't worked, knee replacement surgery may be in order. Some of these methods may have included physical therapy, taking vitamins and supplements, rest, weight loss, medications, braces or walking aids.

Arthritis is not the only reason that a person may need a knee replacement. Sometimes the only way to correct a deformity of the knee is to replace it.

The number one criteria an individual must meet, is that they are healthy enough to go through the surgery. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic infections or restricted blood flow to your lower extremities will interfere with proper healing.

The surgery (as within any) has certain risks involved. Complications from a knee replacement surgery may include blood clots, infection, heart attack, nerve damage or stroke. Make sure you discuss these risks thoroughly with your doctor before you agree to the surgery.

Talk to your doctor about your surgical options if you are suffering from arthritis knee pain and you’re in relatively good health. Knee replacement surgery may be the best arthritis help for you.
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