We hope you're able to walk, run and dance through your entire life with healthy joints. If your knees have become arthritic and painful over time, knee replacement might be a good fit for you.
Knees and several other joints are now replaceable through advanced technology and leading-edge surgical techniques — both of which may be offered at your closest AdventHealth facility.
Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?
You could likely benefit from a knee replacement if:
- Other treatment options haven’t worked for you
- You’ve had severe arthritis in one or both knees for years
Before a physician recommends knee replacement surgery for you, they will likely have you try several conservative treatment options first, which may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
- Viscosupplementation or gel injections
- Weight loss
If you’ve tried these treatments with your doctor’s guidance and little or no change occurs, it’s probably time to consider knee replacement surgery. This quick procedure might be your best option for maintaining your active lifestyle and whole health.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Your general practitioner will need to clear you for knee replacement surgery if other treatment methods don’t work.
The Surgery
In most cases, knee replacement surgery is a quick, one-hour procedure done in an outpatient setting. You might need to spend one night recovering under observation after the surgery, but you probably won’t need intensive medical supervision.
Your New Knee
Before your knee replacement procedure, a CT scan will take an image of your knee so that an identical replacement can be built for you. Your multidisciplinary team uses use advanced surgical techniques and may use custom fabricated prosthetics designed to fit your body. Once it’s aligned surgically, your new knee will feel like it’s always been yours.
Aftercare
Recovering from knee surgery happens at home. As you adjust to your new knee, physical therapy is essential to your continued recovery and long-term comfort. For the first two or three weeks, you’ll likely have physical therapy sessions at home with a licensed physical therapist. Afterward, you’ll probably need an additional three weeks of outpatient physical therapy at an AdventHealth clinic.
After three months, the healing process will almost be complete, and your normal functioning should be restored in about a year as the last aches and pains fade away.
Where to Go for Better Knee Health
If you’re having knee pain, talk to your primary care physician about potential treatments. Together, you can determine whether knee replacement surgery is right for you.
When you’re ready to pursue knee replacement surgery, your team at your closest AdventHealth facility is ready to help. We collaborate with local physicians and other health organizations in the community to deliver convenient care that fits your lifestyle. Learn more about available surgical and physical therapy options that can help you feel whole in body, mind and spirit.
