Key Considerations before Getting Your Knee Replacement Surgery
You need healthy knees in order to walk and perform regular daily tasks. If knee pain becomes unmanageable, it might be time to see a knee specialist in Atlanta. Only after all non-surgical options have been explored will the discussion turn to knee replacement surgery.
Before you decide to have total knee replacement surgery, it’s important to speak with your doctor to learn what to expect from the procedure. Here are some points you’ll want to consider before you commit to this surgery.
Know the Possible Risks and Complications
All surgeries carry risks, and total knee replacement is no different. While the risks are minimal and thousands of people have this type of surgery every year, it’s still important to speak with your surgeon to learn more about the chances of infection and other implant-related problems. Learning more about the possible risks isn’t meant to scare you away from getting this surgery; it’s only intended to help you make a fully-informed decision.
Ask What Happens During the Surgery
An informed patient tends to be much less anxious which typically leads to a better overall experience. Therefore, speak frankly with your knee replacement specialist. Learn as much as you can about the procedure so you’re prepared for all stages of the replacement process including pre-surgery, post-op, and recovery.
Learn about Your Pain Management Options
Many people are concerned about managing their pain following knee replacement surgery. The good news is that doctors have several options when it comes to prescribing pain medication. The type of medication you’ll need depends on your threshold for pain. Some people have a high pain tolerance and do well with over-the-counter pain medications. Others might need something stronger. Speak with your doctor to learn more about their typical prescribed pain regimen for recovery.
Ask about Typical Recovery Times
It’s normal to want to return to the activities you enjoy, even basic daily tasks like walking and climbing stairs, as quickly as possible. Individuals who have knee replacement surgery usually resume these activities shortly after surgery. Of course, every person is different. Recovery times depend on your pre-surgery health and fitness. Proactive steps taken before surgery to improve your endurance can help you recover faster. The last thing you want is to aggravate the wound or slow down the recovery process by rushing your recovery. Carefully follow your doctor’s suggestions for recovery. After all, they’ve seen hundreds of patients go through this exact surgery and know the best ways for their patients to recover faster.
Don’t Put Off Knee Replacement Surgery
Many people don’t want to deal with the recovery from knee replacement surgery and thus put off the procedure as long as possible. Delaying surgery may simply be delaying your opportunity to live with less pain and more mobility. When your loss of function and level of pain affect your quality of life, it is a good time to consider knee replacement. A conversation with your orthopedic surgeon will provide you with the information you need to make a good decision. They will walk you through the entire process.
Do any of these concerns sound familiar to your situation? If so, learn more about knee replacement in Atlanta by contacting OrthoAtlanta to speak with a knee surgery specialist, and look forward to enjoying the freedom of movement once again.