Knee replacement surgery can be extremely beneficial for people with severe arthritis. With a 95% success rate, this common procedure reduces pain and stiffness, allowing for more comfortable movement and a return to an active lifestyle.  Knee replacement surgery can positively impact a person’s quality of life, but it’s not a cure-all.  If you suffer from painful arthritis in your knees and you’re considering knee replacement surgery to eliminate the discomfort, here’s what you need to know: 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term that refers to joint pain or joint disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. The most common types of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis - a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear and the overuse of the joints; often associated with age, joint injury, or obesity

• Rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation and severe joint damage 

• Psoriatic arthritis - an inflammatory condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammation of the joints

• Gout - pain and inflammation caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint; typically involves flare-ups that last anywhere from 3 to 10 days

The Center for Disease Control estimates that 22.7% of adults in the US (54.4 million people) have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. By the year 2040, they estimate that the number will be up to 78.4 million, or 25.9%. 

What is a knee replacement?

Osteoarthritis of the knees is one of the most common types of arthritis. Inherited bone structure, repetitive injury (as from sports or a profession, such as floor installer or farm worker), and obesity often result in the breakdown of cartilage in the knee. As the cartilage breaks down, the bone-on-bone scraping results in pain, joint stiffness, limited range of motion and other symptoms that can weaken the muscles and increase the risk of falling. The associated pain and discomfort can also result in symptoms of depression. 

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that involves removing damaged or diseased parts of the knee and replacing them with a prosthesis made of plastic and metal. With proper care, physical therapy, and a healthy lifestyle, the new knee can last 20 years or more. Although high-impact exercises and contact sports are best avoided after a knee replacement, it’s still possible to live an active lifestyle that involves biking, swimming, dancing, hiking, golf, and many other enjoyable activities.

What a knee replacement cannot do

Unfortunately, knee replacement surgery does not cure arthritis. Although it can correct the damage caused by arthritis and relieve the pain associated with the condition, it cannot make the arthritis go away.  After knee replacement surgery, it’s still as important as ever to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, and work with your doctors and physical therapists to manage your arthritis and stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. 

Benefits of knee replacement surgery

Just because your knee replacement won’t cure your arthritis, don’t let that stop you from considering it seriously if you suffer from damaged and painful knee joints. There are several advantages to getting knee replacement surgery, including:

• Pain relief

• Better range of motion

• Improved mobility

• Long-lasting

• High success rates

• Return to enjoyable activities

• Higher quality of life

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, it’s important to remember that physical therapy is crucial.  A strong rehabilitation program after your surgery is the key to a successful recovery. 

Bella Vista Health Center offers short-term Knee rehab in San Diego

The stronger your rehab program is, the higher the likelihood you’ll have a quick and successful recovery. At Bella Vista, we offer short-term rehabilitation for people who have been discharged from the hospital following surgery but are not yet ready to return home to full independence. Our rehab programs are designed to help residents regain strength, balance, and coordination following knee replacement surgery. Our physical and occupational therapists are highly skilled, experienced, and committed to patient safety and recovery.

For more information about post-knee replacement rehabilitation or any of our other services, please give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or visit our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.