Knee replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a common procedure that helps to alleviate the pain and disability caused by severe knee arthritis. However, it’s important to recognize the signs that indicate you might need this type of surgery. Knee injury doctors in Houston recommend not ignoring certain symptoms which may suggest a need for knee replacement.
One of the most obvious signs is persistent knee pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication. This kind of discomfort can interfere with your ability to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting and standing. If you’re experiencing chronic knee pain that limits your day-to-day life, dive into it‘s crucial to consult a medical professional.
Stiffness in the knee joint is another sign you shouldn’t ignore. If your knees are stiff when you wake up but loosen up after moving around a bit, it could be an indication of osteoarthritis – one of the most common reasons for needing a knee replacement. On the other hand, if your stiffness persists throughout the day or worsens after periods of activity or long periods of rest, it could signify more serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
Decreased mobility is another symptom not to overlook. Difficulty performing simple tasks such as tying shoes or picking something off the floor can indicate significant damage within your knee joint warranting evaluation for potential surgery.
Furthermore, visible changes in appearance like swelling and inflammation over time can be indicative too. While occasional swelling isn’t necessarily alarming; consistent inflammation suggests underlying issues requiring attention.
Finally yet importantly comes instability in your knees while standing or moving; feeling like they might ‘give out’ under you without warning can be quite distressing and unsafe – often indicating substantial damage inside your joint.
If these symptoms sound familiar to you – persistent pain despite medication and rest; stiffness especially constant throughout the day; decreased mobility making daily tasks difficult; visible changes including regular inflammation; and instability in your knees, it’s time to get a professional evaluation.
Knee replacement surgery isn’t the first line of treatment for knee pain; doctors will typically recommend less invasive treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections first. However, when these methods fail to provide relief and the symptoms start affecting your quality of life significantly, then knee replacement might be considered.
In Houston, you can find many experienced knee injury doctors who can guide you through this process – from diagnosing your condition to discussing potential treatment options including surgery if necessary. They will help you understand the benefits and risks associated with each option so that you can make an informed decision about your health.
Ignoring signs of severe knee damage won’t make them go away; instead, they may worsen over time leading to more complications. So take heed of these symptoms and seek medical advice promptly – because living with constant pain isn’t something anyone should have to endure.
