When we have knee pain, we often ignore it - we wait for it to go away, we "write it off" to fatigue, etc. But if the pain recurs or worsens, you shouldn't throw in the towel.
Over the years, joint cartilage wears away, losing elasticity that cannot be restored naturally. If medical treatment doesn't work, you will probably need knee surgery: arthroscopy or knee replacement. Knee surgery usually results in a full recovery of mobility, forgetting the pain in the knee, which greatly improves the quality of life and allows you to enjoy your favourite activities, which are often limited by knee pain.
Knee replacement
When joint pain is troublesome, the doctor examines the patient, carries out the necessary tests, identifies the cause of the pain and prescribes targeted treatment. This usually starts with medication, but also includes massages, physiotherapy, physiotherapy etc. If the latter treatment methods do not produce the desired result and the knee pain persists, the joint function is impaired and knee replacement is needed. This surgery replaces the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial ones - metal or plastic.
Knee replacement surgery is performed by making an incision in the front of the knee. The operation is complex and is subject to complications, the most common of which are blood clots in the blood vessels. The risk of clots can be minimised by carefully following the doctor's pre-operative instructions and adequate preparation. How to do this?
- Visit your family doctor for blood, urine and other necessary tests to assess the level of blood clotting;
- it is important to assess the condition of your blood vessels - dilated veins increase the risk of blood clots;
- if the patient has not been consulted by a vascular surgeon, it is advisable to wear COMPRESSION LEGS at least one day before the knee surgery;
- no smoking;
- consume as much fluid as possible for a few days before surgery.
After knee replacement surgery, the patient is kept in hospital for some time. Once the painkillers have worn off, the patient is encouraged to exercise his/her feet and legs.
After the operation and some time in hospital, the patient is discharged, but rehabilitation is recommended. During this rehabilitation, an individual rehabilitation plan is drawn up for the patient, depending on the reason for the operation, its complexity, healing characteristics and other factors. After the replacement surgery, treatment continues with medication, various therapies and orthopaedic devices such as splints, which ensure knee joint stability and adequate blood circulation. A knee brace will stabilise the operated joint, which is very important in the post-operative period.
Knee replacement is a complex operation and the post-operative period is short. Its duration and effectiveness depend to a large extent on the patient himself. Recommendations after knee replacement surgery:
- Adequate physical activity is required, but without overexertion;
- periodic special exercises for the knee joint;
- avoid lifting heavy objects and carrying heavy loads;
- refrain from heavy physical work;
- avoid activities involving jumping and running;
- take regular walks;
- Wear comfortable footwear.
Knee arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is an operation on the knee joint in which, unlike knee replacement, no incision is made. Only small incisions are made to insert the arthroscope and optical instruments, which are used to examine and operate on the joint from the inside.
Arthroscopy is the perfect solution if the knee joint has persistent problems, the joint is dysfunctional, but the joint itself is not worn out and there is no need for a prosthesis.
On the plus side, the post-operative period and healing time after arthroscopy is much shorter than after arthroplasty.
The most common arthroscopic knee surgery is performed in the case of meniscus tears, ligament tears, damage to the cartilage of the patella and defects in the articular cartilage surface.
Today, arthroscopy of the knee is one of the most advanced methods for treating knee joint diseases.
