Living with constant knee pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting down a painful challenge. When medications and physical therapy fail to provide relief from knee pain, orthopedic doctors often recommend total knee arthroplasty.
Let’s explore what total knee arthroplasty is, why it’s needed, and what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery.
What is Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or total knee replacement (TKR), is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged knee joint with an artificial one called a total knee implant. This implant can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials and aims to mimic the function of a natural knee joint.
Why Do People Need Knee Replacement Surgery?
People usually need knee replacement surgery when their knee joint is severely damaged. Common causes include:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common reason, where the cartilage in the knee joint wears away.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joint lining.
- Traumatic Injury: Damage from accidents or injuries that impair knee function.
- Other Conditions: Such as bone tumors or congenital diseases that affect the knee.
These conditions can lead to:
- Severe pain in the knee that doesn’t go away even with medication.
- Difficulty walking or performing everyday activities that involve the knee.
- Stiffness and swelling in the knee.
- Poor quality of life due to constant pain and limited mobility
Preparing for Knee Replacement Operation
Before the knee replacement operation, patients must prepare both physically and mentally. Here’s what usually happens:
- Medical Evaluation: A thorough check-up to ensure you’re healthy enough for knee replacement surgery.
- Pre-Surgical Tests: Blood tests, X-rays, and possibly an MRI to evaluate the knee’s condition.
- Medications: You may need to stop taking certain medications like blood thinners before TKR (total knee replacement) surgery.
- Home Preparation: Set up your home to make recovery smooth, such as arranging for someone to help you and preparing a comfortable resting area.
The Knee Replacement Surgery Process
On the day of the knee replacement surgery, here’s what typically happens:
- Anesthesia: You’ll receive either general anesthesia (to put you to sleep) or spinal anesthesia (to numb the lower half of your body).
- Incision: The knee surgeon makes an incision in the front of the knee to access the joint.
- Removing Damaged Parts: The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the knee.
- Inserting the Implant: The artificial knee (total knee implant) is fitted into place.
- Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and the knee is bandaged.
Recovery After Knee Replacement
Recovery from a knee replacement operation is a step-by-step process:
- Physical Therapy: Begins almost immediately to help regain movement and strength. This may have exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the knee.
- Pain Management: Pain medications are prescribed to manage post-surgery pain. Using ice packs and elevating the leg can also help reduce swelling.
- Home Care: Follow special instructions for caring for the wound, such as keeping it clean and dry and changing bandages as instructed.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and ensure the knee is healing properly.
Full recovery can take several months, but most people experience significant improvements within 3-6 months.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Stay Active: Follow your physical therapy routine diligently.
- Healthy Diet: Eating well can help in faster healing.
- Avoid Strain: Don’t lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activities early on.
Benefits of Total Knee Arthroplasty
A successful total knee arthroplasty offers many benefits:
- Pain Relief: Significant reduction or complete relief from knee pain.
- Improved Mobility: Easier walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily activities.
- Better Quality of Life: Greater ability to enjoy life without constant knee pain.
Knee Replacement in Naples, FL
Total knee arthroplasty (or TKR knee replacement) is a highly effective procedure for those struggling with severe knee problems. By replacing the damaged knee joint with a total knee implant, patients can enjoy a pain-free, active life once again.
If you’re struggling with chronic knee pain and have tried other treatments without success, it might be time to consider knee replacement surgery. At the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL, we specialize in knee surgery as part of our comprehensive orthopedic services.
Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care for a wide range of orthopedic problems, including knee arthritis, meniscus tear, ACL tear, fractures, and others.
Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Schedule an appointment with our expert surgeons today by calling us at (239) 261-2663. You can also request your visit by using our easy-to-fill appointment form. We look forward to serving you!
