Is it Time for a Knee Joint Replacement?
A common orthopedic question that Baytown, Texas, residents have is “When is it time for a knee joint replacement?” Patients feel confused about how to approach a treatment method without proper knowledge. At Dr. Horn Orthopedics, we know it is difficult to determine if your knee pain warrants surgical treatment. We’ve laid out some signs are indicative of needing a joint replacement:
- Conservative Methods have Failed
Your orthopedic doctor will suggest non-surgical treatment methods first. These include medication, physical therapy, or a knee brace. Conservative treatment methods are usually enough to reduce knee pain in minor cases. If non-surgical treatment methods have not relieved symptoms, it is time to speak to your orthopedic doctor about a joint replacement.
- The Pain is Chronic
“Chronic pain” is used to describe pain that persists for more than 6 months. Many cases of joint pain will become manageable before the pain becomes chronic. Patients who experience pain for long periods of time should consider a joint replacement, as chronic knee pain is severe enough to hold patients back from daily activities and limit joint mobility.
- Your Pain Persists After Activity
Your knees will hurt for a short period of time after playing a sport or engaging in strenuous exercise, but the pain subsides while at rest. Those who continue to experience knee pain after stopping activity need a joint replacement. Persistent knee pain lasting 24 hours after activity means it is time to visit your doctor.
- The Joint has Become Deformed
Misshapen or deformed joints are indicative that surgical treatment is needed. Placing stress on a deformed joint leads to extreme pain and further damages the joint. Watch out for bulging or excessive swelling around the joint to determine if surgical treatment is needed.
Many cases of knee pain do not result in a knee joint replacement, but these signs alert you to speak to your orthopedic doctor about surgical treatment. Don’t let knee pain hold you back! Call us at (281) 837-8550 or visit us at https://hornortho.com/contact/.
My sister feel of the stairs yesterday and this incident caused tremendous damage on her knees. It’s great to know that physical therapy and knee braces may help reduce knee pain if it’s only a minor injury. Although, I never knew that people who experience knee pain even after doing sports or any extreme activities are probably going to need a joint replacement.