Your knees are something that you use every day, but you probably don’t think much about how important they are until they give you trouble. Undergoing a knee replacement procedure is a big decision and a major surgery. It can greatly affect your quality of life.
If your doctor recommends a knee replacement, you may want to get a second opinion to determine the extent of knee damage and to confirm whether surgery is needed.
Having a Knee Replacement
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It’s made up of several components that all work together to enable you to walk. Injury or disease can affect areas in the knees and cause extreme pain, muscle weakness, and reduced function.]
A knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty, is performed to help relieve pain and restore function in damaged or diseased knee joints. During a knee replacement, your surgeon will cut away damaged bone and cartilage from your knee area. They’ll replace the bone and cartilage with an artificial joint or prosthesis made out of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.
You’ll have to have physical therapy to help you regain full movement and muscle strength. Depending on your individual circumstances, recovery time can take anywhere from six weeks to six months or longer.
Recovery Timeline: Rehabilitation Stages and Physical Therapy »
Knee replacement surgery is generally the last alternative after other options have failed to work. Before considering surgery, you’ll probably undergo physical therapy (PT), home exercises, lifestyle changes, and pain management.
Arthritis is the most common cause of knee pain and disability. It’s the most cited reason for knee replacement surgery. Chronic knee swelling and knee deformity are other common causes.
Additional Treatment Options
If your doctor recommends that you have knee replacement surgery, getting a second opinion is generally a good idea. There are additional things you might try before a knee replacement, and consulting with another doctor is a great way to find alternative options. Knee replacement is the only therapeutic alternative for some people, however.
Your doctor will likely recommend the following treatments before knee replacement:
- exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility
- weight loss, if needed, to reduce the load your knee must bear
- walking aids, such as canes, to reduce stress on your joint
- shoe inserts to improve your knee’s alignment
- steroid injections to decrease joint inflammation
- oral medications to reduce pain and swelling
In some cases, other less invasive surgeries may also be a viable option.
Alternative to Knee Replacement Surgery »
Less Invasive Surgery Options
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that’s an option for some people. During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon will use a small incision to remove or repair a part of your knee. Knee arthroscopy may include:
- removing inflamed joint linings
- removing or repairing ligaments and cartilage
Osteotomy is another type of surgery. Your doctor may use this type of surgery to repair damage that is localized to one part of your knee. During this procedure, your bones are surgically reshaped and repositioned to help shift some of the weight off of the damaged section of your knee.
Getting a second opinion is a good idea because doctors often disagree about treatment options. It’s important that you understand all of your options so that you can make an informed decision.
Make an Informed Decision
You can reach out to your doctor for help concerning a second opinion, or you can check your insurance to find a provider in your area. They can also advise you on your coverage. In some cases, a second opinion may not be covered by insurance.
It’s important that you know what to expect so that you can make a smart decision. A knee replacement can help to alleviate pain and increase your mobility, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Under normal conditions, a knee replacement can last for several years. Excessive activity and weight can cause the plastic spacer in the implant to wear down, however. It’s recommended that you don’t engage in activities such as running, jumping, or any other type of high impact sports for the rest of your life.
A knee replacement is a life changing procedure, and it’s important that you understand all of these details.
Moving Forward with Your Second Opinion
If you decide to get a second opinion, your doctor can send all of your X-rays, MRI scans, and additional records over to the doctor. You can carefully go over them and discuss your treatment options.
You may need additional tests. You may also want to try other treatment options other than surgery, or you may find that surgery is the best bet. You should thoroughly discuss any decision with your doctor to determine the best way to alleviate your pain.
A knee replacement surgery will affect your life activities in the long term, but it can help to alleviate your pain and give you back your mobility. If your doctor recommends a knee replacement or if your current knee treatment plan is not working, a second opinion can help you to make a more informed decision.
