Your knees are an integral part of your leg and body. Without knees, humans cannot complete many of the daily functions and activities we are used to. Unfortunately, because our knees handle a great deal of stress, they can wear out through use and even injury. The process can then cause pain that leads them to stop functioning the way they should.
A number of conditions can affect our knees, some of which may lead to the possibility of having knee replacement surgery. If you’re experiencing intense knee pain and aren’t sure why or how, you will want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Be sure to mention the following issues, as they will help determine if knee replacement surgery is needed:
Difficulty with Daily Movement. Are sitting and standing painful or unable to be done without assistance? Do prescribed medications provide minimal relief and fail to increase your range of motion? If you find yourself staying at home or lying in bed because you cannot comfortably move, you will want to meet with your doctor as soon as possible. One of the main reasons for knee replacement surgery is different forms of arthritis that affect the knee, so this is almost could be a cause for extreme pain and disruption of daily activities. If you find pain getting worse as the days go by, speak with your doctor immediately before it becomes too excruciating.
You Feel Unstable. If you’re able to move around the house, but find yourself feeling off balance in the knees, this is another indicator of poor knee health. Sometimes, instability is mild and often goes unnoticed, but other cases can be worse and leave patients at greater risk for falls. Often times, instability in the knee is caused by the patella, also known as the kneecap. Use caution when moving around and be sure to contact your doctor is your instability becomes worse or does not subside.
Only by working with your doctor can you determine the source of your pain. If you find yourself with horrible knee pain or instability due to arthritis or other conditions, contact Advanced Surgical Hospital. Our orthopaedic surgeons can assist you with questions you may have about your knees, can perform advanced knee replacement surgeries, and provide assistance during knee replacement recovery to help you get back on your feet. For more information on ASH, our services, knee replacement surgery, or other concerns, contact us today.