The knee is a complex joint that allows movement in all directions. With knee arthritis, the cartilage on the end of your bones wears out, causing extreme pain and disability. Chevy Chase knee replacement can relieve these symptoms so you can get back to living your everyday life. The procedure involves replacing damaged cartilage, the rubbery tissue that cushions the ends of bones.
Most people with knee pain and other related issues can relieve their symptoms with an over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medicine. But if the pain persists or your knee becomes swollen, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedist for knee replacement.
There are several signs that you need knee replacement surgery:
Pain that is not relieved by other treatments
You have severe pain in your knee that does not go away after two or three weeks of treatment with non-surgical treatments and medications. If your pain does not go away after a few days of rest, you may need to talk to your doctor about an arthroscopy procedure. This minimally invasive surgical procedure will show you whether or not you have cartilage damage in the knee joint. If cartilage damage occurs, your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend surgery to repair it.
You have swelling in your knee joint that is persistent despite appropriate treatment and medication
If swelling around your knee joint does not go away after at least seven days of rest, your doctor might suggest that you see an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and possible treatment options. Your knee expert will evaluate your situation and decide whether to replace the damaged parts of your bones with artificial implants or metal rods.
Swelling in your knee joint
Arthritis causes inflammation and swelling in the joints, which makes them feel stiff and painful. The swelling can occur because of damage to cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones during movement. It can also happen because of damage to ligaments that hold bones together when you are moving.
You have osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of the bone and cartilage over time. You may experience pain in the joint or feel like something is falling apart.
Tumors or cancer
Cancerous tumors can grow inside the knee joint and cause pain when they press on nerves or blood vessels in your knee joint. Cancerous tumors form near blood vessels and can cause blood clots that block circulation or oxygen flow into tissues at the bottom of your legs (peripheral vascular disease).
There are several options for knee replacement that surgeons can perform depending on your symptoms and the underlying cause. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and discuss options for treatment before deciding on a course of action. They will determine the best procedure for you based on your age, physical activity level, and expectations for recovery from surgery and rehabilitation. Contact Gautam Siram MD, and book an appointment with an orthopedic joint replacement specialist if you want to learn more about knee replacement surgery.
