Signs you may need a knee replacement include severe pain, inflammation or swelling that has not responded to treatment, difficulty in walking or climbing stairs, deformity in the knee, and a lack of improvement with other treatments.
Knee pain is a very serious condition that can limit your mobility and make it very difficult to go about your daily activities. Some people may not require surgery to treat knee pain and can use physical therapy, medications, or changes in their lifestyle. However, if these measures do not help, then it may be time to undergo a knee replacement. But how do you know when it is time to take this step? Below are some of the signs that may suggest that you need knee replacement.
1. Persistent Knee Pain
The first and most apparent symptom that you may require a knee replacement is pain that does not go away. If you have chronic knee pain that persists even when you are not active or even after taking pain relievers, then this may be a sign of a more serious condition like severe arthritis or severe joint degeneration. This pain may be felt during an activity or even when the patient is at rest, and it may interfere with sleep and other activities. If you discover that pain is unbearable and interferes with your health, then it is advisable to seek an online doctor consultation.
2. Difficulty Performing Daily Activities
Another important symptom is when knee pain hinders one from performing his or her daily activities. If you find it difficult to walk, climb stairs, sit, or stand, then it may be a sign of severe joint degeneration. If your knee pain restricts your ability to move around freely and other conservative measures do not help, you may need knee replacement surgery to improve your quality of life.
3. Swelling and Inflammation
Inflammation of the knee that persists even after taking a break, using painkillers, or undergoing physiotherapy may be an indication of a severe knee injury. If the swelling is chronic, it may mean that the cartilage in the knee joint has eroded and the bones are grinding against each other. If knee inflammation is chronic and associated with stiffness, tenderness, or heat around the knee, then surgery may be needed.
4. Knee Deformity
If you have a knee that has a visible deformity, then it may be time for a replacement because the joint is no longer functional. Knee deformities may result from the wearing of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs that alter the normal position of the knee joint. This deformity may cause additional pain and limitations of movement and may necessitate surgical treatment.
5. Limited Range of Motion
If you cannot bend or straighten your knee or if the knee feels locked in place, then there may be severe arthritis or joint degeneration. Restricted mobility can greatly affect the extent to which one can engage in certain activities or hobbies that he or she enjoys. If exercises, physical therapy, and other treatments do not work, then a knee replacement is the only way to get full use of your knee again.
6. Frequent Use of Walking Aids
If you feel that you have to lean on a cane or walker to get around without experiencing pain, then your knee is not working as it should. These aids can be helpful in the short term, but they are not a cure for the problem. If you require them daily for simple tasks, it is high time you discuss the possibility of knee replacement surgery with the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata.
7. Failure of Non-Surgical Treatments
Knee replacement is usually done if other conservative treatments have not worked for you. Such treatments may include drugs, injections, physiotherapy, dieting, and other changes in the daily routine. If these methods do not help to bring sufficient improvement or the condition aggravates, knee replacement surgery can be the best solution to relieve pain and improve the quality of movement.
8. Impact on Mental Health
Pain and limited movement are not only detrimental to the physical health of a person but also to their psychological health. If knee pain has started to cause anxiety, depression, or reduced quality of life, then it may be time to consider a more definitive solution, such as knee replacement. Having chronic pain can take a toll on your mind, and if you find a solution through surgery, then it will be a great boost to your quality of life.
Knee replacement is a big step, but it can be a life-altering procedure for people who have severe knee pain and limited mobility. If you have any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek the services of the best orthopedic doctor in Kolkata to assess the situation and seek advice accordingly. An expert can assist you in deciding whether you should go for knee replacement surgery and guide you through the process.
Do not let this pain in your knee prevent you from enjoying your life to the fullest. It would be wise to arrange an online doctor consultation to get started on the journey to a pain-free life and find out what can be done for you.
