What Occurs If You Delay A Knee Replacement Too Long?
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery, medically termed knee arthroplasty, entails the substitution of damaged or diseased segments of the knee joint with synthetic components.
Individuals who have advanced arthritis, severe knee pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility and have not found relief from conservative treatments are usually advised to undergo this procedure.
Advantages of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee joint replacement surgery offers numerous advantages for patients, including:
Pain reduction or elimination, allowing for improved comfort and mobility.
Restoration of the ability to engage in daily activities and hobbies previously limited by knee pain.
Improved joint stability, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Enhanced mobility enables patients to walk, climb stairs, and participate in physical activities with greater ease.
Decreased risk of further damage to the knee joint. Overall improvement in quality of life, as patients experience less pain and greater independence in their daily lives.
Here are some of the reasons why people might wait too long to have knee replacement surgery,
Fear of the procedure: Knee replacement surgery is a major surgery, and it is expected to feel some anxiety about it. However, advances in surgical techniques have made knee replacement surgery safe and effective.
Fear of a long recovery: While recovering from knee replacement surgery takes time, most people can return to normal activities within a few months.
Worry about reduced mobility: Some worry knee replacement surgery will limit mobility. However, knee replacement surgery can improve mobility and allow you to do what you enjoy.
What occurs if you delay a knee replacement too Long?
The Dangers of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery:
While it’s understandable to have concerns about undergoing surgery, delaying knee replacement surgery can have serious consequences. Here are some risks associated with postponing knee replacement surgery:
Increased pain and stiffness: Over time, the damaged cartilage in your knee will continue to wear down, causing more pain and stiffness.
This can pose challenges in completing routine tasks like walking, ascending stairs, sitting down, or standing up from a chair.
Muscle weakness: When your knee is painful, you may be less likely to exercise or participate in physical activities.
This may result in a decline in muscle strength surrounding the knee, exacerbating discomfort and instability.
Joint damage: Delaying surgery can also damage the bones and joints in your knee. This can make it more challenging to have a successful knee replacement surgery later on.
Slower recovery: If you wait too long for knee replacement surgery, it may take longer. This is because the muscles around your knee will weaken, and the joint damage will be more severe.
Increased risk of complications: Delaying surgery can also increase your risk of complications, such as infection and blood clots.
Weight gain: Severe knee pain can hinder walking and discourage exercise due to increased knee pressure. Reduced activity levels result in fewer calories burned, potentially leading to weight gain. Carrying excess weight exacerbates knee pain, creating a cycle of discomfort. Additionally, weight gain may contribute to irritability, depression, and sleep disturbances, compounding the challenges of living with knee pain.
Bad Posture: Although not an immediate consequence of delaying knee surgery, poor posture can exert extra pressure on the knees, exacerbating pain and discomfort over time.
How do you manage pain if knee replacement surgery is delayed?
If knee replacement surgery is delayed and you’re grappling with pain, several strategies can help alleviate discomfort:
Apply warm or cold compresses to the affected knee for 10 to 15 minutes thrice daily to reduce pain.
Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can effectively reduce pain and inflammation.
Engage in light exercises recommended by a physical therapist to stretch and strengthen the knee, tailored to your needs.
Utilize assistive devices such as knee braces, canes, or walkers to ease pain and enhance mobility.
Maintain a healthy weight to alleviate stress on the knee joint.
Avoid activities that exacerbate pain and strain the knee excessively.
Consider transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, which involves applying mild electrical impulses to the skin for temporary pain relief.
Hyaluronate injections can help lubricate the joint and act as a shock absorber, offering relief from pain.
It’s important to note that these measures provide temporary pain relief, and consulting with your doctor is essential for personalized pain management guidance.
Although opting for knee replacement surgery is a personal choice, it’s crucial to grasp the possible consequences of postponing treatment.
By promptly addressing knee pain and dysfunction, individuals can improve their quality of life, regain mobility, and prevent further joint damage.
These are the Dangers Of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery. Our Knee specialist Dr. Rik Kundra offers invaluable insights and guidance on the best treatment approaches for effectively managing knee arthritis and associated conditions.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Golfers' Knee Injury
Consult Dr. Rik Kundra for Knee replacement surgery in Dubai
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Disclaimer
All content and media on this page are created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Meet Dr. Rik personally for appropriate medical diagnosis and advice.
