Just about anything you do while on your feet can be restricted by knee pain. From exercising to playing sports to working and helping out at home, you need functional knees that are free from pain.
If knee pain is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, you may be an ideal candidate for knee surgery. Is it time for knee surgery? Here are some signs that it’s time to get this procedure done.
#1 Medications No Longer Work
If knee pain is no longer eased by anti-inflammatories and pain medication, it may be time for knee surgery. Needing stronger pain medication is also not a good sign, since the use of medication is not an ideal long-term treatment for knee pain.
#2 Less Invasive Treatments No Longer Provide Relief
Earlier minimally invasive treatments for knee pain relief may include cortisone injections and viscosupplementation. Injection therapy is very effective in relieving knee pain in most patients, as they treat inflammation and provide lubrication to the knee joint. Combined with physical therapy, injection therapy helps many patients with knee arthritis, but not all. There could also come a point when the results are no longer satisfactory for patients. If you have exhausted conservative and minimally invasive knee treatments, it may be time for knee surgery.
#3 Daily Life Has Become Difficult
Knee pain that is disruptive to your daily schedule is a factor for considering knee surgery. Getting out of bed, using the toilet, climbing stairs, sitting in a chair, and getting up from a sitting position — basic movements that you do daily should not have to be challenging. Knee surgery may be able to restore normalcy to your daily life.
Furthermore, if you find yourself relying on assistive devices or needing more of them in your home, it may be time for knee surgery.
#4 The Pain Has Worsened and Never Goes Away
If you feel knee pain day and night or if it is unbearable and prevents you from falling asleep or sleeping without interruption, it may be time for knee surgery. Knee pain that doesn’t go away with conservative and minimally invasive treatments and continues into the night should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon for surgery. Pain this severe and unending indicates severe knee arthritis.
#5 The Knee Has Become Deformed
One of the symptoms of advanced-stage knee arthritis is knee deformity. As the cartilage continues to wear away and bones rub against each other, the process of degeneration leads to eventual deformity of the knee. Knees that are bowing in (bow-legged) or out (knock-knees) indicate a deformity. Patients are advised to see an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible if they notice knee deformity.
If you think it’s time for knee surgery, make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in knee replacement surgery. An orthopedic surgeon will assess your condition and determine if you need knee surgery. For a procedure as complex as knee replacement surgery, choose only a doctor who is fellowship-trained or specialized in the procedure.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
At Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Meli is highly skilled and experienced in performing knee replacement surgery. Dr. Meli uses highly advanced minimally invasive techniques to preserve healthy tissue and improve your recovery. Dr. Meli can perform same-day joint replacement surgery for eligible patients.
Dr. Meli is not only specialized in knee repair but is also compassionate in his approach to each one of our patients. He makes sure to explain every treatment in detail, including the risks of each procedure. If you trust Dr. Meli with your knee surgery, you will have a compassionate orthopedic expert with you every step of the way.
To schedule a knee surgery consultation with Dr. Meli, call our clinic today at (954) 324-7711 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to helping your knee feel and function better!
