Persistent knee pain and stiffness can significantly diminish your quality of life, turning routine tasks into burdens and diminishing the pleasure of movement. Recognising the following key signs is crucial for seeking guidance from an orthopaedic surgeon. Fortunately, with continual advancements in orthopaedic surgery, there exist numerous personalised solutions to address your condition, allowing you to overcome the symptoms outlined below.
- Persistent, Debilitating Pain:
Pain is the most common, and arguably the most telling, sign that you might need help. This isn't the occasional twinge or ache after strenuous activity; it's persistent, often throbbing pain that disrupts sleep, and hinders daily tasks. The pain may worsen with specific movements like bending, climbing stairs, or walking short distances.
- Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion:
Your once-flexible knee now feels like a rusty hinge, struggling to bend and extend fully. This stiffness can worsen over time, making simple activities like getting up from a chair or walking down stairs a monumental effort. The range of motion in your knee may be noticeably restricted, impacting activities you used to enjoy, like playing sports or even gardening. This progressive loss of mobility can be a strong indicator of advanced knee joint damage.
- Instability and Giving Way:
Does your knee feel like it's about to buckle or give way, leaving you vulnerable to falls and injuries? This instability can be caused by damaged ligaments or cartilage, leading to a feeling of insecurity and fear of movement. Everyday tasks become anxiety-inducing, and even walking on uneven ground feels risky. If your knee frequently "pops" or "clicks," it's another sign of potential damage requiring further assessment.
- Failed Conservative Treatment:
You've tried it all – physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, glucosamine, fish oil and every remedy you can get your hands on. While these interventions may offer temporary relief, the underlying cause of your knee pain remains. It is very reasonable and recommended to trial all conservative treatments first. However, when they fail to deliver it is time to consider the next step up of options that an orthopaedic surgeon can offer such as knee replacement surgery.
- Impact on Daily Life and Quality of Life:
The most telling sign is the profound impact your knee pain has on your daily life and overall well-being. If simple activities like walking the dog, climbing stairs, or playing with your grandchildren become difficult due to knee pain, it is a clear indication that the pain is taking control. It is beneficial in this situation to seek early advice from Dr Edirisinghe.
Remember, you are not alone. Degenerating knees with advancing age is part of life. However, gone are the days where this should hold you back from enjoying life as you are used to. With new advancements in joint replacement technology there are various options from nerve deinervation to joint replacement surgery that may help your situation.
Joint replacement surgery currently is not what it used to be. Patients stay in the hospital for a lot shorter duration. There are improvements in anaesthetic techniques that markedly reduce post operative pain. So, it is often possible to go home the next day after surgery. Rehabilitation is often done in the comfort of your own home, with in-home physiotherapy visits and virtual care through digital technology. With new emerging knee personalised knee replacement philosophies such as kinematic alignment the knee replacements are expected to feel more natural, last longer and have more flexibility!
At Ortho Precision Adelaide, Dr Yas Edirisinghe provides comprehensive knee care, offering personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. Dr Edirisinghe has subspecialist training to deliver kinematic knee alignment in its pure form as intended. If you are interested in knowing more about kinematic knee replacement surgery, please contact us via the chatbox or contact details below.
Dr Yas Edirisinghe approaches knee surgery with technological innovation and a wealth of experience and accolades. Get in contact today to book a consultation.