Knee pain happens to virtually everyone at one point or another. But for some, ongoing knee pain is enough to get in the way of everyday life. A knee replacement can bring lasting relief, but going through surgery and the recovery process is not easy. That’s why so many people struggle with the decision of whether or not to have a knee replacement.
The outstanding orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and athletic trainers at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre in Conroe and Woodlands, Texas, understand how hard it can be to make a decision about joint replacement surgery. We’re sharing the following information in the hopes of making your choice a bit easier.
Knee replacement surgery restores healthy joint function by removing damaged joint components and replacing them with high-quality synthetic materials. In essence, a joint replacement procedure rebuilds your knee joint with the best materials available.
In most cases, knee replacement allows you to return to normal activity levels without the pain, joint stiffness, and swelling that kept you on the sidelines of your life. If you’re a serious athlete, it enables you to continue pursuing your career goals.
But you don’t have to be an athlete to reap the many benefits of knee replacement surgery. If knee issues have gotten in the way of your daily routines, knee surgery can make a world of difference in your quality of life.
Here are a few signs that knee replacement surgery might be right for you.
Pain is part of human life, and can never be fully avoided. But when pain begins to shape each and every day, something is seriously amiss.
Far too many people accept an increase in pain as an unavoidable part of growing older, or the result of a physically demanding lifestyle. But your body isn’t designed to experience daily pain, and chronic pain can lead to numerous other health issues, including mental health problems.
Many cases of knee pain are the result of joint degeneration that occurs over time. Other possible causes include arthritis, repetitive stress, traumatic injury, or certain health conditions that cause joint problems.
Most people who experience serious knee pain develop routines for lessening that discomfort. You might find that elevating your legs after a long day on your feet is helpful. Icing the joint, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and using a brace might also be beneficial.
Once you reach the point where you’re taking steps to manage knee pain every day, only to find that pain returning as soon as you increase your activity levels or stop self-care efforts, it’s time to look for a more permanent solution.
No one is at their best when they’re not feeling well. There’s nothing wrong with turning down invitations and taking some time to rest when you’re injured or ill. But chronic knee pain can make it hard to get excited at the prospect of time spent with friends and family.
If you notice that you’re saying “no” to social invitations far more often than you’re saying “yes,” it may be a sign that your knee pain has become a limiting factor in your daily health and wellness.
Time spent engaging with others is an essential part of overall health. You need these interactions to stay mentally sharp, decompress, and gain exposure to new ideas. If knee pain makes it difficult or impossible to stay connected with people you care about, finding a path toward relief is important.
In reality, knee replacement surgery can get you back on your feet and back into a healthy routine in a relatively short period of time. The best way to know if this is the right path forward for you is by sitting down with one of the wonderful practitioners at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre to discuss your specific needs and goals.
When you’re ready to learn more, we’re happy to help. Just book your visit online or by phone to get started.
