How Can Arthritis Be Treated With Knee Replacement?
14 MarAny joint in the body is important; and the knee is one of the most important ones. Without a knee joint, none of the regular activities like sitting, standing, walking, and running will be possible. This is why it is very important that you take care of your knee if you want to effectively maintain stability and movement. Any pain in the knee should be immediately taken action upon. You must consult a doctor to provide you with medications. If the condition is worse, you may be provided physical support and walking aid. Such medications and additional aid may help you recover. But, if you neglect your knee pain and the condition worsens, you will be forced to undergo a knee replacement in Bangalore!
So, what is it that may result in such a condition? It could be an accident or fall that may damage or tear the knee, or a disease like arthritis that arises as a result of the cartilage being worn down, causing bone erosion and painful inflammation and swelling. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases seen that damages the knee joint, which is why patients are required to undergo knee replacements. The ailment stiffens the knee, causing pain with a feeling that the bones are grinding past each other, even with the slightest of movement. Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the capsule surrounding the knee swells and stretches, leading to unbearable pain and instability. In severe cases, the knee also gets deformed. Another disease is gout that gives rise to problems with the blood supply, ultimately causing the bone to die, giving rise to the need for replacement.
While young adults are seen to undergo knee replacements, the major age group seen is above 60 years. And, the good news is that the results of a knee replacement last for about 20 years. This means that a person undergoing knee replacement in Bangalore may never need another replacement again in life, since the average age of a human is below 80 years.
Post surgery, you will require to follow strict care and precautions, and will need months of exercises and therapies to recover. In fact, you will only recover with complete strength of the knee only after an year. So, this operation is not a very small one. But yes, if done successfully, you will be completely relieved of the pain. However, recovering from such a surgery varies from individual to individual, depending on his personal health condition, lifestyle, precautions taken, and any complications experienced during the surgery. While very rare, but the general complications seen include bleeding, blood clot, persistent pain, and artery damage. So, you must be prepared for the worst condition too.
A patient is generally kept in the hospital for up to five days after surgery, under the supervision of the doctor. After discharge, the patient is given strict instructions that he must follow at home. This will involve medications, physical therapy sessions, and exercises. Doing as per the instructions will result in faster and better recovery, and strengthening of the knee muscles. Initially, you will need walking aids to help you. But, generally after the six week mark, you will be able to walk on your own and resume normal activities. However, it will take 2-3 months to be able to walk some distance unassisted. And, by the end of 3-4 months, the knee will be flexible and pain free! But, complete improvement will require another few months.