What to Expect During Your Total Knee Replacement Recovery
Total knee replacement surgery is a significant procedure, so knowing what to expect during recovery is essential. Read on to learn more about the timeline and milestones.
Joints experience plenty of wear-and-tear over the years. Some people may suffer so much damage that they are left with pain and disability that can't be eased by other less invasive treatments. These individuals make good candidates for joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Jeremy Woodson and our highly skilled team at our private practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, help people of all ages and activity levels live healthy and pain-free. Whether you're seeking preventive care, improved athletic performance, or have an injury or chronic condition that affects your joints, we can provide personalized and state-of-the-art treatment plans for the best possible outcome.
Joints are locations where two or more bones meet and include soft tissues like cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Examples include larger joints like the shoulders, hips, and knees, as well as smaller ones, such as the elbows and knuckles. Even the spine has joints.
Joint replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of a joint and replacing them with the latest high-tech materials. Hips and knees are the most commonly replaced joints though others can be repaired this way as well.
Several factors should be weighed when deciding whether joint replacement surgery may be necessary. These include:
How much pain a person is experiencing is arguably the most important consideration. If it is preventing the completion of daily tasks, disrupting sleep, and not relieved by rest or non-surgical approaches, it may be time to think about surgery.
Problems with walking or bending or not participating in activities previously enjoyed because of pain are also signs of a significant problem. Mental and emotional stress should also be considered.
Persistent pain despite medication or if the medication is causing severe side effects are two reasons it might be time for surgery. A third could be if tests indicate advanced arthritis or joint damage.
Typically surgery takes several hours. Recovery involves physical therapy with specific exercises designed to strengthen the joint and improve movement. After the healing is complete, most people experience a better quality of life with less pain and more mobility. A replacement joint lasts many years.
If you're experiencing joint pain related to arthritis or an injury, call our office today at 405-233-3602 to find out if joint replacement surgery or another less invasive procedure is right for you. You can also request to speak to a team member via this website to learn more.
