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WHEN DO I NEED A KNEE REPLACEMENT?

Writer's picture: Mark MacdonaldMark Macdonald

Your knees are one of your most important joints when it comes to moving around and your overall well-being. Knee pain can be depressing, especially when it stops you doing the things you love.


Deciding to have a knee replacement is a very big decision and requires consideration of many factors.


BUT FIRST - WHAT EXACTLY IS A KNEE REPLACEMENT?


A knee replacment or knee arthroplasty is the removal of damaged, arthritic or diseased parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial implants. These artificial implants are made of metal, plastic or a combination of these.


A knee replacement may be total (both medial and lateral sides) or partial (one side only) and may or may not include replacement of your kneecap.


Rehabilitation following Total Knee Replacment is a long process. It is six months before you really feel that your knee is good and 12 months before you really don't think about it. These timeframes are also dependent on you actively participating in your rehabilitation - if you are not diligent with your exercises, it can take even longer.


SO WHEN IS IT THE RIGHT TIME TO HAVE A KNEE REPLACEMENT?


The decision to have a knee replacment cannot be made based on the appearance of your xray or MRI. They help with the diagnosis, but your function is also very important.


Non surgical interventions such as Physiotherapy have been shown in recent research to actually reduce the need for total knee replacment. Physiotherapy of manual therapy and a graded exercise program has been shown to improve knee function by increasing the strength of the muscles around the knee.


The knee joint, like all joints actually needs activity to keep it healthy.


One of the main indicators of when its time to have a knee replacment is persistent pain and disability. I say to patients that when you start to struggle to get up and go to the bathroom in the morning because of your knee, its probably time. You may have other daily activities like climbing stairs, walking or gardening that you struggle with and know that its time.


HOW CAN A KNEE REPLACEMENT HELP?


By removing the parts of the joint that are causing your pain and disability knee replacement surgery has the ability to significantly improve your overall quality of life and restore your ability to enjoy the activities you love.


Over the years we have seen patients return to tennis, golf, bushwalking, gardening and a host of other activities.


REMEMBER IT'S A LONG REHABILITATION

WHAT IF I AM NOT READY TO HAVE A KNEE REPLACEMENT?


As mentioned earlier, exploring conservative solutions to knee pain is crucial. Our Physiotherapists are experts in this field and can offer a number of options as you make your decision. Our Physiotherapists design personalised exercise programs tailored to your individual needs and the specific nature of knee pain. These programs focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall joint stability. Targeted exercises can help alleviate pain and restore function. 


WHAT CAN I DO NOW?

If you are having chronic knee pain and want some advice on how to manage it our physios are able to help.


At Winston Hills Physio our goal is to get you moving pain free as soon as possible.


AND we want you to maintain this and live a healthier, active life doing the things you love doing.


Give us a call on 9838 and one of our friendly reception team will get you booked in with a physio or click on the button below to book online.






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