Ramsay Health Care offer a comprehensive range of orthopaedic treatments. Ramsay is one of the UK's leading providers of private healthcare with 22 private hospitals, nine treatment centres and three neurological units.
Knee pain becomes more common as you get older and can be a
real inconvenience. You may struggle to walk any distance, play golf or do
normal everyday tasks around the house.
You don’t have to live with knee pain. Painkillers and
physiotherapy may help, but if you experience chronic, severe pain you may need
to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery is
usually necessary if arthritis has badly affected the knee, or if the knee has
been injured. The cartilage, which covers the bony surfaces of the knee joint,
becomes worn away, and your knee may also be visibly swollen.
In the first instance speak to your GP if you have severe
knee pain and he will advise on whether a knee replacement is likely to be an
option for you. Knee replacement surgery usually requires a few days in
hospital and a period of recovery at home during which you may need
physiotherapy and help around the house.
What are the alternatives to knee surgery?
- Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatories may control the pain
- Dietary supplements may relieve symptoms
- Using a walking stick can make walking easier
- Wearing an elasticated knee support
- Regular moderate exercise to reduce stiffness in your knee
- A steroid injection into your knee joint can sometimes reduce pain and stiffness
- But all of these alternatives will become less effective as your arthritis gets worse
Knee replacement aftercare
Aftercare is important to get you back to normal life as soon as possible.
Your physiotherapist will give you exercises to do at home and will advise you about everyday living and what you need to avoid. Initially you’ll probably need crutches or a walking stick.
You may need some physiotherapy sessions during the first few weeks after your operation.
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