We all feel aches and pains in our bodies now and again. However, when you’ve been bearing that discomfort for too long, it may be something you should not ignore any longer. You’ll need to look into your treatment options so that you don’t have to go through life with pain weighing you down.
How do you know when you need serious medical intervention? Here are the tell-tale signs that may signal your need for knee replacement.
Knee Pain Interferes with Your Day-to-Day Activities
One sign that you may need knee replacement is when mundane actions are more difficult for you to perform. You cannot manage simple day-to-day tasks without the pain taking over. These activities may include walking, climbing stairs, and standing up from your seat. Daily duties, such as going to work, cleaning the house, and walking the dog become difficult challenges to overcome each day.
You Feel Pain Even During Rest
Another concerning indicator is experiencing an ache in the knee even when you’re at rest. If you have an existing knee condition, it’s common to feel a twinge of pain when you move your legs. However, once you start feeling discomfort even when you’re not moving, knee replacement may be an option for treatment. Your knee may also feel stiff even without any motion.
Pain may arise even when you’re simply sitting down and watching television with your family. It can also occur when you’re lying in bed, about to go to sleep at night.
There Is a Deformity in Your Knee
Severe arthritis may eventually lead to a deformity in the joints. The appearance of the knee may change, bowing inward (knock knees) or outward (bow legs). These are visible indicators that may indicate a need for knee replacement, so you should consult with your doctor. Knee replacement surgery can significantly improve symptoms of severe arthritis more than medication and lifestyle changes.
Pain Is Present Throughout the Day
Some may only feel knee pain when the joint is touched or moved. Likewise, many patients often complain about worse knee pain at night due to colder temperatures or sleeping in the wrong position. However, if you’re experiencing discomfort throughout the day, knee replacement may be necessary, no matter the time or weather.
Conservative Methods Are No Longer Effective
Doctors will recommend conventional methods before pursuing surgical options. These methods include medication such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, knee braces, injections, and other non-surgical alternatives. However, when these methods do not alleviate pain, it’s a sign that surgery may be the next course of action.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Naples, FL
It’s not always easy to read warning signs when it comes to your health. With knee pain, doctors will always try to resolve the issue with conservative methods. However, when those fail, it may be an indicator that you need a knee replacement. Other warning signs include pain interfering with daily activities and while at rest, knee deformity, and discomfort throughout the day.
But chronic and disturbing pain should not make you lose hope. Our orthopedic surgeons at the Joint Replacement Institute are ready to help you achieve that. Our team will assess your condition, give a proper diagnosis, and determine if knee replacement is indeed the best course of treatment for you.
To get in touch with us, you may call (239) 261-2663 or request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you gain back control and comfort in your life.
