When to Consider Knee Replacement Surgery: Signs and Symptoms

Knee pain can make everyday activities difficult and lower your quality of life. While treatments like medication and physical therapy often help, knee replacement surgery may be needed in many cases where the symptoms don’t subside even after treatment. 

One of the main reasons symptoms don’t subside through therapeutic or topical treatments is that knee problems like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are degenerative diseases. These knee problems lead to the slow and gradual disintegration of healthy knee cartilage, leading to increased symptoms over time.

The pain does not subside with typical treatment options generally offered, like ointments and topical medication. Currently, one of the only long-term treatment options for arthritis is knee replacement surgery. Though it is a comparatively complicated procedure, it has become increasingly common in India due to the extensive incidence of arthritis in the country. But how do you know if you need surgery or if other treatment options can be beneficial for you?

To help you understand, this blog explains the main knee replacement signs that suggest it might be time to consider surgery. By recognizing these signs, you can make a better decision and take steps to get back to your active life.

6 Signs You Should Consider Knee Replacement Surgery

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, knee replacement is a matter of “when” rather than “if” the condition is autoimmune and leads to a gradual decline of knee cartilage, which is almost impossible to stop. Given the surgery cost and recovery timeline, it is not possible for all patients to go through the surgery at an ideal time, as per medical professionals. However, if you are experiencing the signs mentioned below, it is crucial that you consider getting knee replacement surgery at the earliest. Knee replacement surgery has various benefits, which will be discussed further in the article. 

Persistent Knee Pain

One of the primary knee replacement signs is ongoing pain that does not improve with medication or physical therapy. If your knee pain continues to interfere with your sleep, work, and daily activities, it might be a sign that you need more than just conservative treatments. This type of pain often leads to increased use of painkillers, which can have their own side effects and long-term health impacts.

Difficulty in Walking and Climbing Stairs

Struggling to walk even short distances or finding it hard to climb stairs are clear indicators that your knee may require surgical intervention. If you find yourself avoiding activities you once enjoyed due to knee pain, it could be time to consult a knee replacement surgeon in Delhi. Difficulty in walking not only affects your physical health but can also impact your mental well-being, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness.

Swelling and Inflammation

Chronic swelling and inflammation that does not subside with rest and medication can be another sign. This constant swelling can lead to increased stiffness and decreased range of motion, making everyday tasks challenging. Swelling may also indicate an ongoing inflammatory process that could worsen over time. Seeing an orthopaedic specialist in Delhi can help you decide if knee replacement surgery is right for you.

Decreased Range of Motion

If you notice that bending or straightening your knee has become difficult and physical therapy hasn't helped, you might need to consider surgery. A decreased range of motion can severely limit your ability to perform daily activities, such as getting up from a chair or tying your shoes. A knee replacement specialist in Delhi can evaluate your condition and suggest the best treatment plan.

Failed Conservative Treatments

Before considering surgery, doctors often recommend various conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections. If these treatments have failed to relieve your symptoms, it might be time to discuss knee replacement surgery with a specialist. Failed treatments indicate that the underlying issue may be more severe and require a surgical solution to provide lasting relief.

Knee Deformity

Sometimes, severe arthritis or injury can cause knee deformities, such as bowing in or out of the leg. These deformities not only cause pain but can also affect your posture and gait. Knee deformities can lead to additional joint problems in the hips and spine due to altered biomechanics. Consulting a knee replacement surgeon can help correct these deformities and improve your overall function.

Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing them with artificial implants.

• Pre-Surgery Evaluation: Your knee replacement surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment, including imaging tests, to determine the extent of the damage and plan the surgery.
   
• Anaesthesia: The procedure typically involves either general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free.
   
• Surgery: The damaged parts of the knee are removed, and the artificial implants are positioned. The implants are usually made of metal and plastic and are designed to mimic the movement of a natural knee.
   
• Recovery: Post-surgery, you will undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, although full recovery can take several months.

Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery offers numerous benefits for those suffering from chronic knee pain and mobility issues. It is a relatively safe surgery that’s helpful for patients with chronic knee pain. The success of the surgery depends on the surgeon's experience; however, given the benefits of this surgery, the benefits outweigh the surgical risks. What are the benefits of knee replacement surgery? Let’s find out.

Pain Relief

One of the main advantages of knee replacement surgery is the significant reduction or complete relief of knee pain. Chronic knee pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to perform everyday activities and diminishing your quality of life. The surgery alleviates pain by replacing the damaged parts of the knee with artificial implants, often providing immediate relief.

Improved Mobility

Patients often experience markedly improved mobility following knee replacement surgery. Chronic knee issues can limit your ability to walk, climb stairs, and participate in physical activities. After surgery, many patients find that they can move more freely and with greater confidence, significantly enhancing their ability to perform daily tasks and engage in physical exercise.

Enhanced Quality of Life

The combination of pain relief and enhanced mobility results in an improved overall quality of life. When knee pain is no longer a constant concern, you can focus on enjoying life and participating in activities you love. Whether it’s playing with grandchildren, taking long walks, or travelling, knee replacement surgery can help you reclaim an active lifestyle. This improvement also positively impacts mental and emotional well-being.

Long-lasting Results

Modern knee implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting, often providing relief for 15 to 20 years or more. Advances in medical technology have made these implants more reliable, ensuring that the benefits of knee replacement surgery are sustained over a significant period.

Reduced Need for Medications

Chronic knee pain often requires regular use of pain medications, which can have various side effects. Knee replacement surgery addresses the root cause of the pain, allowing many patients to reduce or eliminate their reliance on these medications.

Improved Sleep

Chronic knee pain can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased overall health. After knee replacement surgery, many patients report better sleep quality due to reduced pain.

Conclusion

Recognizing the knee replacement signs that indicate a need for knee replacement surgery can help you make an informed decision about your health. Persistent pain, difficulty walking, swelling, reduced range of motion, failed conservative treatments, and knee deformities are key indicators. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a knee replacement surgeon in Delhi. 

An experienced orthopaedic in Delhi can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss the potential benefits of surgery, helping you regain your quality of life. For more information about knee replacement surgeries at MASSH, check out our website. We specialise in providing highly specialised minimally invasive knee replacement surgeries. For better accuracy and precise surgeries, we offer robotic surgeries to help patients. Request a callback from our website to learn more, or visit us today to consult with our specialists.