Knee Replacement Surgery: Back On Feet

Knee replacement surgery is not recommended until a patient suffers from severe knee arthritis, which causes excruciating pain and limits mobility. Patients with mild pain are first advised rest, put on medication and different supports and braces. Despite that if the situation aggravates to the point where pain is unbearable and movement is difficult, knee replacement surgery is suggested then.

Knee replacement surgery is suggested on the basis of the need for it and not age. Today, more and more younger patients are diagnosed with osteoarthritis and are recommended the procedure. It is because the advancement in technology today ensures that the implants are more durable, flexible and have improved longevity, reducing the need for a repeat surgery. So a young patient can very well opt for the procedure and get back to life.

Knee replacement surgery helps restore 80-90% functionality of the knee. Post surgery, a patient can walk, jog, bend, dance, squat, and even swim and play sports. While most of the day-to-day activities can be resumed after surgery, the orthopedic surgeon must be consulted about high performance activities and limitations because a lot of factors such as quality of implant, quality of surgery, fitness level, among others, play a decisive role.

Weight has no implication on knee replacement surgery. If the pain is not bearable, then orthopedic surgeon can recommend a patient knee replacement surgery to relieve him/her from the pain. However, for better results and the procedure to last long, it is advisable to lose weight post surgery. But as such obesity is not considered a roadblock for knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgery is doable on diabetic patients. However, patients need to explain their condition clearly to the orthopedic surgeon prior to the surgery to guide him/her better about post surgery implications and dealing with those in an informed manner.