There are approximately 700,000 knee replacements performed each year in the United States. It is one of the most frequently performed joint replacement procedures. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about knee replacement surgery. Let’s take a few minutes to bust some of these myths!
“Arthritis pain is a normal part of aging.”
Arthritis is a health condition that causes inflammation and even degeneration of the joints. It is not a part of normal aging and not everyone gets it. Individuals who have arthritis are more likely to need joint replacement procedures like knee replacements because their joints break down faster than a person without arthritis. If you have arthritis, it’s important to take care of your joints and regularly assess treatments with your doctors.
“Knee replacement is only for elderly people. ”
This is a big myth! While a lot of older people get knee replacement procedures done, it is not a procedure exclusive to their age group. People of all ages can get knee replacement surgery when its necessary (i.e. the knee joint is damaged beyond repair). This is common for younger individuals with regenerative diseases or after an accident damages the knee joint very badly.
“Knee replacement will limit what I can do with my life.”
Some people believe that after a knee replacement, they cannot be as active as they used to be. It’s actually quite the opposite! Knee pain can keep you from doing the things you love such as exercising, hiking, running, and simply enjoying life the way you want to. After a knee replacement, your knee will function the way it is meant to. This restoration of function will give you the ability to do all the things you want that you previously couldn’t do because of a bad knee joint.
“I will be forced into bed rest for months after my surgery. ”
Not true! You will begin using your knee and getting active as quickly as possible following your surgery. Immediately following your procedure, your surgeon will recommend you start moving – slowly and gradually. In the beginning, you will use crutches and walkers to assist you as you walk and get the new knee moving. After just a few weeks of healing, you will begin physical therapy to regain strength and functionality back in the knee.
“Once I get a prosthetic knee, my days of playing sports are over.”
This is definitely not true. You will actually be able to play more sports than you did before! A knee replacement surgery is done when the existing knee joint is beyond repair and is causing substantial difficulty when used. When you get a knee replacement surgery, your knee will become more functional and less painful than before. This will allow you to do things you couldn’t before – like playing sports.
Orthopedic Care and Knee Replacement Surgery in North Dakota
If you have knee problems and want to explore whether knee replacement surgery is right for you, contact the experts at The Bone & Joint Center. We have substantial experience treating all types of orthopedic conditions such as knee pain and would love to serve you at one of our 18 locations throughout North Dakota. To make an appointment, call (800) 424-2663 or request an appointment online.
