| In my experience, nobody likes to hear they need | | | | is placed in the knee to provide cushion to the joint. |
| surgery. Surgery is scary. It's dangerous-or at least it | | | | A total knee replacement is done when more than |
| sounds dangerous. The recovery is often difficult, and | | | | one part of the knee is damaged and can't be easily |
| the whole process is painful. | | | | corrected with the other procedures. The doctor will |
| That's a lot of reasons not to want surgery. It's also | | | | open your knee, cut away the damaged areas and |
| why responsible doctors usually turn to surgery as a | | | | implant a prosthetic joint to restore pain-free |
| last resort. But, under the right circumstances, | | | | function. Clearly, this is the most invasive option |
| surgery can be a good choice. Some discomfort in | | | | when it comes to knee surgery. |
| the short term can lead to a higher quality of life in | | | | The recovery time for partial and total knee |
| the long term. | | | | replacements varies and depends a great deal on |
| This is particularly true of knee surgery. | | | | your commitment to doing the prescribed physical |
| Why Knee Surgery? Why Now? | | | | therapy. Once you do recover, you won't have quite |
| The two most common reasons that your doctor will | | | | the same range of motion you once did and you'll |
| recommend knee surgery are because of an injury or | | | | have to avoid high impact activities, but you'll be able |
| arthritis. In either circumstance, damage to the knee | | | | to move pain free in your day-to-day life. |
| joint makes movement painful and mobility difficult. | | | | Make Your Knee Surgery and Recovery Go As |
| Many knee injuries will heal themselves over time. | | | | Smoothly as Possible |
| Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, | | | | The key to the smoothest surgery and quickest |
| physical therapy, glucosamine supplements, or | | | | recovery possible is open communication with your |
| anti-inflammatory medications to help speed healing. | | | | doctor. |
| These same steps can also help slow damage from | | | | When getting ready for the surgery let the doctor |
| arthritis. | | | | know weeks ahead of time what prescriptions and |
| Sometimes an injury doesn't heal as hoped or arthritis | | | | supplements you take. Then follow his advice on |
| gets worse over time. When your pain is severe and | | | | whether or not to discontinue use leading up to the |
| unrelenting, bothering you whether you're moving | | | | surgery. Cut smoking (hopefully you don't smoke!) |
| around or resting, your doctor may recommend knee | | | | and drinking to a minimum in the week before your |
| surgery. There are three common methods: | | | | surgery. And ask your doctor what exercises you |
| arthroscopic, a partial knee replacement, and a total | | | | can do before hand that will make recovery easier. |
| knee replacement. | | | | Once the surgery is complete, the most important |
| Arthroscopic surgery uses a small camera, inserted | | | | part of your recovery is physical therapy (PT). In |
| into a small incision. The doctor uses the camera to | | | | most cases, you'll begin PT within 48 hours of the |
| assess the damage and then uses additional small | | | | surgery. You may need to wear an immobilizer to |
| incisions to go in and make repairs. Using the video | | | | keep your knee stable while it's healing. Ask your |
| camera as a guide, the doctor is able to repair a torn | | | | doctor and physical therapist about a continuous |
| meniscus, minor arthritic damage, damaged ligaments, | | | | passive motion device. These machines work your |
| or misaligned kneecaps in a less invasive way. | | | | knee joint while you relax and can speed up your |
| Recovery from arthroscopic surgery usually takes | | | | recovery. |
| four to six weeks. | | | | Remember to be patient while you're healing. It's a |
| A partial knee replacement is done when the cartilage | | | | painful and uncomfortable process, but it's worth it. |
| is so damaged that bone is rubbing against bone | | | | Eventually, you'll be able to go through your |
| within your knee joint. During the surgery, an implant | | | | everyday life pain free, and you can't beat that. |