Knee replacement is a surgical procedure for the treatment of damaged bone parts or joints of knees caused by an inflammation, commonly known as arthritis. This medical process is also termed as arthroplasty.
In this surgery, the damaged knee parts are resurfaced to ease the pain and cure the injuries. The damaged bone parts are replaced with artificial joints called prosthesis made of plastics and metals.
Read along to know more about identifying knee replacement surgery alternatives and knee pain natural treatment.
Difference between knee replacement for one and both knees
Both the surgeries have similar results but there are some differences between the two. One knee replacement can be considered less risky whereas bilateral knee replacement is associated with longer rehabilitation period, more health hazards and complications like blood drainage which leads to a high rate of blood loss, infections, damage to the nerves or even a heart attack! Moreover, there are higher risks of surgical failures in the case of both knees’ replacement.
Which segment of the population usually gets this surgery?
Now, that’s how widely coveted knee replacement surgery has become!
India, with a large population of 1.2 billion, has a large number of patients who have done arthroplasty.
The joint registry formed by the Indian Society of Hip and Knee Surgeons (ISHKS) has been collecting data for almost six years and their report states that, out of 34,478 people, 25% percent were male and 75% were females with an average age of 64. Osteoarthritis surgery has a high number and the age range is 45-88 years.
The Indian Society of Hip and Knee Surgeons (ISHKS) contends that out of 34,478 knee replacement surgeries, 25% of the patients were male and 75% were female – at the average age of 64.
However, recent studies have shown that the young generation is also suffering from acute knee pain. Exploring knee pain reasons at a young age is the need of the hour so that we can make the youth aware of the possible risks.
Symptoms to look out for
Symptoms don’t necessarily have to be related to knee pain. But there are some basic symptoms which confirm the need for knee replacement surgery. Watch out for these signs and symptoms to identify the possibility of a knee replacement surgery.
Immense pain in knee joints during daily activities like walking, climbing, sitting or laying down. You face difficulties in everyday activities due to such severe pain.
Sleep gets adversely affected. Moderate or severe pain in the knee hinders your sleep which can lead to sleep disorder.
You feel stiffness in your knees. Swelling is also another pertinent factor.
Steps of orthopedic evaluation
Now, you may ask – what is Orthopedic evaluation? It is nothing but an examination to identify the best pain-relieving remedy to your musculoskeletal injuries. Let’s find out more about orthopedic evaluation.
Analyzing medical history.
The first step starts with analyzing your medical history and understanding how often it hurts, the intensity of the pain, where exactly you feel it etc. Providing accurate details like the medication and treatment you’ve been following is a must!
Physical examination
After that, you may need to conduct a few medical tests based on the doctor’s feedback. This may involve observation of your body flexibility and functionality via different activities like bending, walking and climbing stairs. This diagnosis enables the medical practitioner to evaluate your body conditions. Then they’ll look for visible symptoms or wounds you have.
X-Ray
To get an insight into your body conditions, an X-Ray test shall be needed. It helps to facilitate an analysis of the affected areas with the help of high-energy electromagnetic radiation.
MRI and other tests
Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test produces high magnetic field and high-frequency radio waves to discern specific damages in your body. MRI provides better and clearer images.
These tests will help you analyze the condition of the bones under stress and the severity of the damage to get the best course of treatment.
Postoperative Care
After the surgery, you need to take better care of your body and health to get a rapid recovery. You also need to be careful about your safety and comfort.
The major postoperative complication of a knee replacement surgery is blood clots. You should walk often, wear comforting clothes, move frequently for blood circulation and avoid sitting on the floor to avoid the same. If there are recurring blood clots, immediately go for medical treatment such as a blood thinner or clot buster. Physical therapy and exercises also help. Prior research and ample awareness can help you to identify issues and resolve them before further complications.
Lastly, eat nutritious food and drink healthy fluids. Try to avoid alcohol during this time!
How to prevent knee replacement surgery?
Have you ever heard that prevention is better than cure? If you’re looking for knee replacement alternatives, preventive measures are the perfect way to go!
The first step is to eat healthy foods, or more precisely vegetables which must include proteins, calcium, magnesium, zinc and minerals.
Pro tip - Gelatine consumption increases the amount of collagen in your body which strengthens your bones.
Perform regular exercise and yoga. Try to avoid strenuous activities and exercises that impact your knees like regular dance fitness sessions or intensive cardio.
Avoid substance abuse, drinking and smoking. It affects your overall health including bones and joints.
Conclusion
The rapid growth of technology and science has made knee replacement surgeries cost-effective and convenient! With more and more people veering towards knee replacement surgery, being aware about knee replacement surgery alternatives is also important. At the same time, postoperative care also plays a vital role.
If you have severe pain in your knees that limits, you must consult an orthopedic professional and consider a knee replacement surgery. Stay vigilant about your health and that of others around you to prevent knee replacement surgery at a young age.
The Author :
Dr. Sunil Khattri
sunilkhattri@gmail.com
+91 9811618704
Dr Sunil Khattri MBBS, MS(General Surgery), LLB, is a Medical doctor and is a practicing Advocate in the Supreme Court of India and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, New Delhi.
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