Dr. Kevin Terefenko, Orthopedic Surgeon
Arthritis & Joint Replacement Center of Reading
The Impact of Knee Pain
For many suffering from severe knee pain, total knee replacement has become the answer to reversing the reduced quality of life so common with the condition. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, over 600,000 surgeries are performed in the United States annually of this routine procedure. Whether struggling to climb stairs, significantly limiting leisure activities or missing days at work, the effects of knee pain extend into all facets of life.
Osteoarthritis the Culprit of Worsening Knee Pain
The vast majority of knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that wears away at the protective cartilage surrounding the knee joint. As osteoarthritis progresses, cartilage erodes to the point that bone rubs up against bone and pain and swelling is accompanied by limited movement. Those struggling with knee pain are definitely not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-half of American adults develop knee osteoarthritis in at least one knee during their lifetime.
Orthopedic Treatment for Knee Pain
When consulting with a fellowship trained orthopedist for knee pain, a customized treatment plan may begin with non-surgical methods such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers and bracing. X-ray imaging will aid in proper diagnosis and treatment.
When a troublesome knee does not respond to non-surgical treatment, however, it may indicate osteoarthritis has eroded the knee joint to the point it may be necessary to consider surgical treatment. For instances where only one part of the knee is damaged, a surgeon may recommend a partial knee replacement. More commonly, in cases where more than one knee component is unhealthy, it is typically necessary to proceed with a total knee replacement.
The Unique Benefits of Total Knee Replacement
As the name suggests, total knee replacement, also known as TKA, addresses all facets of a damaged knee. The procedure itself is known to have a very high success rate, aided by the experience level of the orthopedic surgeon performing the procedure. After a recovery period of a few weeks, many patients are able to resume most activities they enjoyed prior to the onset of severe knee pain. Some exceptions may be high-impact activities, contact sports or physically demanding work responsibilities. Low-impact sports such as golf or swimming, however, are usually acceptable post-recovery.
Besides the quality of life improvement total knee replacement offers, a study reported in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery indicates a tangible economic benefit to total knee replacement as well. As shared in one of our previous posts, Positive Economic Impact of Total Knee Replacement Surgery, patients who undergo total knee replacement benefit from the ability to return to most work situations, and are typically able to generate income for as long as desired.
Fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Terefenko of Arthritis and Joint Replacement Center of Reading performs hundreds of successful total knee replacement surgeries each year. If you are struggling with knee pain and would like a consultation with Dr. Terefenko, click here to send an appointment request to our Wyomissing office, or call 610.376.5646.
To your wellness,
Arthritis and Joint Replacement Center of Reading
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