Do I Need Knee Replacement Surgery?

Chances are, if you find yourself reading this, your knee is in pain or you have been debating when to schedule that knee surgery. You either have been experiencing stiffness or mobility restrictions. Maybe it is just starting, or maybe it has been going on for some time. Your kids and grandkids aren't staying young, and your body isn't either.

So, now you're worried that you won't be able to enjoy the fun times with them. Maybe your sports and other recreational activities are suffering and you want to make an appointment with our orthopedic surgeon in Orange City. How much do you have to endure before it is time for you to have knee replacement surgery? Well, here are a few signs to help you decide if it is time to talk to your doctor about it.

Other Treatments Are Beginning to Fail

There are other, non-surgical, treatments options that many people rely on for normal daily functions. When the pain first starts, lasting relief is often simply achieved by ibuprofen, ice packs, or hot baths. As time progresses, these remedies do begin to lose effectiveness.

Before settling for knee replacement surgery, you need to make sure you go through all non-surgical options. Cortisone injections, physical therapy, and orthobiologics are often paired with the recommendation to lose weight when applicable are some of these alternatives.

Signs that Alternative Treatments Are Losing Effectiveness

Common signs that the effectiveness of non-surgical alternative treatments is weakening are:

• Knee pain lasts a long time
• You are losing sleep due to the pain
• Knee aches increase in frequency and severity
• Over-the-counter medications no longer work
• Weather changes cause pain

Your Mobility Begins to Gradually Increase in Limitation

As your body ages, your joints become less flexible. Knee stiffness that is found to be persistent and impairs your mobility is a clear sign of more concerning knee problems. Common mobility issues that are noticed in patients leading to replacement surgery include:

• Stiffness worsens after long periods of sitting.
• The use of a cane or mobility device is needed more frequently.
• Stairs become difficult to climb
• Walking becomes challenging
• Standing and sitting become more strenuous
• Morning stiffness in the knee lasts for 30 minutes or longer.

Activities You Love Come to an End

It isn't always about losing the ability to do what you have to. Sometimes when your knee pain and stiffness begin to limit your ability to do what you love, it is time to consider knee replacement surgery. Running, golfing, swimming, sports, even regular exercise, and gym activities become harder and even impossible to participate in.

If you are concerned with your knee pain, you may want to get an opinion from an orthopedic surgeon in Orange City. Contact Florida Bone and Joint to hear about how our specialists can help treat your pain today.