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Five Myths about Knee Replacement Surgery

Have you been living with knee pain? Do you feel like your grandma with her crippling arthritis? Have pain relievers become a way of life? Does your doctor keep bringing up knee replacement surgery? If you’re like many others suffering from debilitating knee pain, you might be wondering what to think about knee replacement. Let’s look at five myths about knee replacement surgery and give you a few facts to help you make a decision that will have you skipping with joy.

Myth # 1 – You have to be over 50 to consider joint replacement

Age is not the main factor that physicians consider when evaluating a painful knee. The amount of pain, the debilitating factors and the quality of life will all be considered during your examination. While the largest age bracket for knee replacements is 50-80, there is not absolute age for total knee replacements. Younger people who suffer from knee pain may benefit from improved mobility after the surgery.

Myth #2 – Joint replacements wear out every 10 years and have to be replaced

When knee replacements were a new medical development over 30 years ago, they typically did wear out after ten years. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 90% of modern total knee replacements are still functioning well after 15 years after the surgery. Each individual is different. To help the knee replacement last longer, many physicians advise against running, but moderate activity such as hiking, swimming, golf, stair climbing and walking is encouraged.

Myth #3 – Knee replacement surgery involves a long hospital stay

As minimally-invasive surgical techniques become widespread, knee replacement surgery requires one to four days in the hospital following the day of surgery.  Each patient is different and recovery time may vary. Actively participating in the healing process may affect your outcomes.

Myth #4 – Knee replacement surgery should be a last resort

Damaged and arthritic knees continue to degenerate over time. If you are having trouble moving because of debilitating pain, and if your activity level has been greatly reduced, it might be time to discuss at least a partial knee replacement surgery with your physician.

Myth #5 – The pain from knee replacement surgery is going to be unbearable

While you will experience some pain after your surgery, your team at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is committed to helping manage your pain and helping you progress steadily through recovery, which will help lessen your pain in the long run. Compared to the arthritis pain you’ve been experiencing, joint replacement will be a more pronounced pain, but will be short-lived and will be manageable with medication. Soon, you will be able to wean yourself off of the meds and will be able to use over-the-counter acetaminophen as you progress through your recovery.

At Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, we have orthopedic surgeons skilled in knee replacement surgeries to help patients as they work to regain their mobility. To find an orthopedic surgeon who is right for you, call our physician referral line at 866-764-3627 and let us help you start moving again.

Photo credit: Pixland/Thinkstock

 

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Monday, 24 August 2015