Why PRP Therapy Has Become a Popular Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma therapy concentrates parts of your own blood and then uses the resulting serum to help you heal more quickly. Read on to learn more about this state-of-the-art treatment.
No one likes the idea of surgery, but for some people with severe damage to their knees, it can be their best hope for an active life without pain.
With a passion for state-of-the-art evidence-based care, Dr. Jeremy Woodson and our highly trained team treat a wide range of orthopedic issues at our office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. If you have an injury, a chronic condition, or are seeking preventive care, we help individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Also known as total knee arthroplasty, a total knee replacement involves reshaping and resurfacing the damaged or deformed knee joint, followed by replacing the tips of the tibia and femur with metal alloys and the cartilage with high-quality polymers and plastics.
More than 750,000 knee replacements are performed each year, and they are one of the most successful types of medical procedures with over 90% still functioning well 15 years later.
Whether an individual is a good candidate for total knee replacement surgery is a decision best made by an orthopedic surgeon. Factors that will enter into our team’s recommendation will include the person's medical history, level of knee pain, and ability to function, along with results of a physical exam, X-rays, and in some cases other tests like a blood test or MRI.
While most of these procedures are performed on people 50 to 80 years old, there is no age or weight restriction, and the decision is based on the individual's amount of pain and disability.
Other factors that could make someone a good candidate include the following:
When pain is severe enough to impact everyday activities, it may be time to consider surgery. Examples are having significant issues with walking, going up stairs, and sitting down and standing back up again. Using a cane or walker could also be a sign surgery might be needed.
Pain — even moderate pain — when at rest or at night can be another indication.
Swelling and inflammation of the knee that doesn't get better with rest or medication might be cause for knee replacement surgery.
If the knee bows inward or outward, surgery may be a good option.
Typically several other treatments are tried first, including anti-inflammatory medications, injections with cortisone and lubrication, and physical therapy. If none of these have brought relief, it could be time for a total knee replacement.
If you are experiencing knee pain, call our office today at 405-233-3602 for an appointment or book online to determine if you are a good candidate for a total knee replacement or another treatment regimen.
