Does walking a few steps seem like miles? Does going upstairs feel like climbing a mountain? Is your knee pain limiting your daily activities like sleeping, sitting, and getting up?
If so, you are probably in stage four of arthritis. At such a moment, painkillers or physical therapy are no longer effective to reduce pain and swelling. You may have even realised that, right?
The only optimum and mainstay treatment at such a stage is knee replacement. Contrary to myths, this procedure offers a pain-free, independent, and improved quality of life.
You will be able to walk without a walker within a week, run daily errands within a couple of weeks, and do most things you can at your age. You will be able to sit cross-legged, climb stairs, play with children, drive, swim, exercise, etc.
If you have been advised for a knee replacement by an experienced and certified orthopedician, it’s ideal to give it some thought. Delaying the procedure can only worsen your condition. The problem can aggravate to such an extent that you may be confined to a wheelchair or bed due to deformed knees.
Why do people avoid knee replacement?
Lack of awareness
The primary reason that many people choose to live with knee pain and delay the procedure is a combination of fear, myths and lack of knowledge. Many people think knee replacement can cause pain, discomfort, and complications. But reality is far away from it.
As technology and expertise have improved, the success rate of knee replacement has reached over 98%. Most people report significant relief from the pain or discomfort they were going through and start daily activities within a few weeks.
Cost
One significant consideration is the financial aspect related to knee replacement surgery and its subsequent aftercare. Nonetheless, understand that the advantages of this procedure far surpass the associated cost.
We have a transparent and competitive pricing model designed with affordability in mind. Furthermore, we are empanelled with various major government panels, public sector undertakings (PSUs), third-party administrators (TPAs), and a wide range of health insurance plans.
Risks of delaying or avoiding knee replacement
Worsening knee pain or deformity
Stage four arthritis causes serious destruction to cartilage, bone and ligaments in the knee. This damage doesn’t reverse or heal on its own. If left untreated for a longer time, this biggest joint can start deteriorating and eventually even lose its function.
You will find yourself walking differently or limping. Straightening the leg becomes impossible. Walking or doing daily activities only exacerbate pain. To accommodate that pain, the impact of the affected leg puts stress on the other leg, causing faster deterioration in the other knee as well.
Weight gain
Living with that much pain can make you avoid exercise, walking and other activities. You will spend most time on a bed or chair. When you move less, you are more prone to gaining weight.
These extra pounds make the situation worse as you put more pressure on your knees, causing debilitating pain. Additionally, obesity is itself a risk factor for many other health conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.
Reduced quality of life
Limited mobility, persistent pain, and reliance on others are burdens that no one ever wishes to bear in this stage of life. This is the time when you finally experience the sweet liberation from family obligations and job demands, granting you precious moments to focus on yourself.
It’s also a joyful time to bond and create cherished memories with your grandchildren. However, living with arthritis and postponing necessary treatment can swiftly rob you of these delightful experiences, overshadowing this well-deserved time of enjoyment and fulfillment.
Slower recovery
Postponing your knee treatment can cause potentially irreversible harm to your joint. This could result in the necessity for extensive treatment, which often means an extended recovery period.
Make your decision!
By now, you likely understand the critical reasons to avoid delaying your knee replacement. From alleviating pain and restoring functionality to enhancing your overall well-being, undergoing the surgery can significantly transform your quality of life.