Arthritis is defined as stiffness and pain in the joints. The pain and discomfort of arthritis result from lost cartilage between the bones in the knee. With less of this cartilage, the knee loses the cushion that allows it to glide, often leading to stiffness or clicking during motion.
Advanced cases of arthritis are difficult to manage with pain medications, steroids, and other conservative treatment methods. Additionally, if you’ve developed knee arthritis from obesity, losing weight can slow the progression of the disease, but can’t undo the damage done.
In our modern era, there are several available treatment options to resolve chronic joint pain, along with other common symptoms of arthritis. Knee replacement surgery is one such option that can treat joint symptoms caused by arthritis.
In patients who’ve exhausted non-surgical treatment options without any symptom improvement, knee replacement surgery may be considered.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
During knee replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will remove the diseased joint and replace it with a man-made implant. This implant may be constructed of strong titanium or cobalt-chromium alloy, along with heavy-duty plastic. Together, these materials imitate the natural joint and last for 15 to 20 years.
Ultimately, knee replacement surgery can relieve pain, stiffness, swelling, and lost range of motion.
The Effect of Knee Replacement Surgery on Arthritis
Knee replacement surgery can significantly improve patient’s quality of life by restoring their mobility and reducing their discomfort during everyday tasks. However, knee replacement surgery is not a cure for arthritis. Arthritis is a progressive condition caused by certain risk factors.
The factors that can contribute to arthritis in the knee are:
- Wear and tear of the joint
- Age over 50
- Joint injury
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetics
If you’ve tried conventional methods to treat knee arthritis to no avail, it’s time to seek expert help. The experienced team at Hernando Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery specializes in knee replacement surgeries to resolve pain and stiffness. Contact us for a consultation!