Living with constant knee pain can greatly affect your quality of life. Whether it is simple activities like walking or more strenuous ones like climbing stairs, knee problems can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. For some people, non-surgical treatments are effective. However, for others, total knee replacement surgery, also called total knee arthroplasty, may be the best option to regain mobility and reduce pain.
Let us explore five key signs that indicate it might be time to consider total knee arthroplasty and how Advanced Orthopedics New England can help.
What Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement surgery, also referred to as total knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged bones and cartilage in the knee joint and replacing them with artificial components. These components are designed to restore normal knee function and relieve pain caused by conditions such as arthritis or injury.
If you are located in areas like Springfield, MA, or Rocky Hill, CT, expert orthopedic doctors at Advanced Orthopedics New England can guide you with a personalized treatment plan.
1. Persistent or Severe Pain
Pain is often the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your knee. If you experience significant pain that does not improve with rest, medication (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen), or physical therapy, it may indicate advanced knee damage. Often, this type of pain can worsen during daily activities or even while resting.
Advanced Orthopedics New England has specialists who can evaluate your knee pain and suggest whether total knee arthroplasty is the right option for you.
2. Limited Mobility or Stiffness
Do you find it hard to fully bend or straighten your knee? Stiffness and limited range of motion are common symptoms of advanced arthritis or joint damage.
If your joint feels locked in place or you have difficulty moving freely, activities like driving, walking, or standing for long periods may become increasingly challenging. These limitations might signal that conservative treatments are no longer effective.
Total knee replacement surgery can restore joint flexibility and make activities much more comfortable.
3. Swelling That Does Not Go Away
Chronic knee swelling, or swelling that does not respond to ice packs, medication, or rest, can be a sign of advanced joint issues. Persistent inflammation often means that the cartilage in the knee joint is worn out, which leads to bone rubbing against bone. This damage causes the body to produce fluids, leading to ongoing swelling.
Orthopedic doctors often recommend imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to assess the severity of the situation before recommending a knee replacement.
4. Difficulty Performing Everyday Activities
If simple tasks like standing, walking, or getting out of a car have become extremely difficult, it may be another sign that your knee function is significantly compromised. Many people try to avoid putting weight on the problem knee, which can lead to a limp or misalignment in posture. Over time, this can create more stress on other joints like the hip, back, or ankle.
Total knee arthroplasty can help you regain your independence and improve your quality of life by restoring mobility.
5. Ineffective Non-Surgical Treatments
Have physical therapy, injections, or other treatments stopped working? Non-surgical options are often the first line of treatment for knee pain, but they do not always provide long-term relief. Anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or even braces may become less effective over time as the joint damage progresses.
If you have exhausted all non-surgical options without relief, it might be time to explore surgical solutions like total knee arthroplasty.
Benefits of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Many patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery experience life-changing benefits, including:
- Pain Relief: Reduced or eliminated chronic knee pain.
- Improved Mobility: The ability to walk, climb stairs, and exercise more comfortably.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Greater independence and participation in activities you love.
- Long-Lasting Results: Modern knee implants can last 20 years or more, improving long-term health outcomes.
Advanced Orthopedics New England’s orthopedic doctors in Hartford County recommend total knee arthroplasty to help patients restore their knee function and mobility.
Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery
Recovering from total knee arthroplasty typically takes several weeks to months, depending on your overall health and physical activity level. During this time, physical therapy plays a critical role in regaining knee strength and mobility.
Here is what patients can expect post-surgery:
- Hospital Stay: Most patients spend 1-2 days in the hospital. Some cases may require outpatient surgery.
- Physical Therapy: Patients typically begin physical therapy within 24 hours of surgery. Therapists help patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
- Pain Management: Doctors will prescribe pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs to manage discomfort.
- Progressive Activities: Over time, you will gradually return to daily activities like walking, driving, and exercising. Full recovery can take 6-8 weeks or longer.
Patients in our orthopedic clinics in Springfield, MA, and Rocky Hill, CT, receive personalized recovery plans to ensure the best outcomes.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Near Me in Hartford County, Rocky Hill, CT, & Springfield, MA
If you are considering total knee arthroplasty, our team of compassionate and skilled doctors at Advanced Orthopedics New England is here to help. With several locations in Connecticut, including Rocky Hill, CT, and Springfield, MA, we provide expert care for knee replacement, knee revision, and many other orthopedic conditions.
Our knee doctors specialize in advanced robotic knee surgery, combining a customized 3D model of your knee with precise robotic assistance.
Whether you live in Hartford County, Rocky Hill, CT, or Springfield, MA, we are here to provide advanced orthopedic care tailored to your needs. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (860) 728-6740. We look forward to serving you!
