Knee replacement - when is it time
Discussion
Knee replacements aren't always that brilliant. Range of movement is usually (ime as a physio, although I don't often see them long term, 2-3 months post op generally) 0-100 degrees. People often can't ride a bike afterwards, as an example. And post op pain isn't that uncommon.
You need to balance that vs the pain and poor function now, but bear in mind they don't last forever and a revision (ie a replacement replacement) is complicated.
You don't need to exercise to lose weight, although it can help. And weight loss will help your knees massively. The quads pull over the front of your knee using your kneecap as a pulley so the forces within your knee are multiplied up.
If you haven't already it's worth asking to see a physio to maximise your current function. Quads strength and proprioceptive exercises can really help function and reduce pain.
You need to balance that vs the pain and poor function now, but bear in mind they don't last forever and a revision (ie a replacement replacement) is complicated.
You don't need to exercise to lose weight, although it can help. And weight loss will help your knees massively. The quads pull over the front of your knee using your kneecap as a pulley so the forces within your knee are multiplied up.
If you haven't already it's worth asking to see a physio to maximise your current function. Quads strength and proprioceptive exercises can really help function and reduce pain.
A mate of mine had one done a few years back. His consultant said that the correct time to have it done is when it's preventing you from sleeping.
My friend was up walking with a frame on the day of the operation, discharged the next day and was playing golf again three months later.
ATVB
My friend was up walking with a frame on the day of the operation, discharged the next day and was playing golf again three months later.
ATVB
a) talk to your GP
b) pain most nights and walking distance <200yds is a very rough guide to time for replacement.
c) all the physio and weight loss advice above is spot on
d) somebody should consider the alternatives, EG partial replacement and Osteotomy
e) 90% of patients are delighted, so your surgeon is careful to pick the candidates and obtain this 90%. He picks 100% and tells them all only 90% will be pleased.
f) I have patients who run 5K on their new knees, ski with them, pray in the mosque (google this position)
g) I have patients who regret ever having it done (2-3%) because of infection or clot or unresolved pain.
h) good ones last 20yrs plus
I have hundreds of pleased recipients. I have lots of people who don't get a total knee, but something else.
You need to talk to your local version of me if you are anywhere near point b) above
W
b) pain most nights and walking distance <200yds is a very rough guide to time for replacement.
c) all the physio and weight loss advice above is spot on
d) somebody should consider the alternatives, EG partial replacement and Osteotomy
e) 90% of patients are delighted, so your surgeon is careful to pick the candidates and obtain this 90%. He picks 100% and tells them all only 90% will be pleased.
f) I have patients who run 5K on their new knees, ski with them, pray in the mosque (google this position)
g) I have patients who regret ever having it done (2-3%) because of infection or clot or unresolved pain.
h) good ones last 20yrs plus
I have hundreds of pleased recipients. I have lots of people who don't get a total knee, but something else.
You need to talk to your local version of me if you are anywhere near point b) above
W
My father in law had two replacement knees about a year apart, when he was 73. He's 80 now, and in decent health, walking OK, but before the op he struggled to walk a few hundred yards.
He put it down to being an old school plumber, kneeling down on stone cold flags for thirty odd years under sinks fixing piping.
Could be true but I doubt it.
I'm 62, but had a minor keyhole arthroscopy at 55, which did the trick, but the arthritis is starting to play up again recently, but I'll persevere with pain killers, don't really want any more ops, at least for ten years.
HTH.
He put it down to being an old school plumber, kneeling down on stone cold flags for thirty odd years under sinks fixing piping.
Could be true but I doubt it.
I'm 62, but had a minor keyhole arthroscopy at 55, which did the trick, but the arthritis is starting to play up again recently, but I'll persevere with pain killers, don't really want any more ops, at least for ten years.
HTH.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff