How Do You Know It's Time To Have Knee Replacement Surgery?
You have been told by a doctor that you are going to need a knee replacement surgery, but the idea of having surgery is not something you welcome, so you have decided to put things off. It is not uncommon for people to be apprehensive about any kind of surgery, even if they have a knee surgery specialist willing to perform the procedure. Typically, people who need a knee replacement will reach certain points when they believe it is time to make the decision to move forward and get the surgery. Here is a look at some of the signs it is time for knee replacement surgery.
You have a nagging pain that interferes even when you rest.
Most people seek medical advice because of pain in their knees when they walk and move. However, if you put off getting surgery, you will likely develop pain that is far worse. Some people start to have pain even when they are not using their knees at all. For example, you may have knee pain when you sit in a chair or lie down to go to sleep at night. If the pain is persistent and rarely subsides, it is best to go ahead and talk to your doctor about surgery.
Your knee is starting to bow or look otherwise abnormal.
When the knee joint needs to be replaced, it can cause the legs to bow outward because the knee is not providing the proper stability for the legs. Some people even notice that their knees seem to turn in an outward-facing direction. It is critical to seek the advice of a knee specialist if you see any of these issues start to develop because it can cause further issues with your lower body. For example, if your legs are bowing, it can cause a lot of undue stress to your bones, ankles, and feet.
You have issues with walking, standing, or getting up.
You probably sought a knee specialist because of similar issues. However, these symptoms can and do progress as you prolong surgery. You may go from having a bit of pain when you get up from a seated position to having to have help getting up. Or, you may only be able to take a few steps without feeling like your knees are going to buckle. It is imperative to decide surgery is something you need at this point before the situation worsens.
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