The knee is a very delicate part of the human body. It carries the weight of our full body and much of our flexibility in movement depends upon the strength and fitness of our knees.

You’d be surprised to know that every year at least 790,000 knee replacement surgeries take place across the United States. And most of these surgeries have a success rate above 90%. A knee replacement surgery offers a quick recovery and healing process for the patient. Most patients who have undergone such a surgery are discharged from the hospital the same day or the next day.

However, the most difficult decision is understanding when to opt for such a surgery in consultation with your doctor. Many patients suffering from knee ailments don’t even know they need a treatment.

Here are 5 key symptoms you shouldn’t ignore if you’re experiencing knee pain or discomfort 

Severe knee pain: If you constantly feel knee pain even when you are relaxing in bed or on a chair, it indicates something serious. Though knee pains are often innocuous and any of us can experience them at any time of the day or night, if your knees are paining when you’re asleep or you can’t tolerate the pain anymore despite popping a painkiller, it’s best to consult a doctor right away.

A swollen Knee: If either or both knees are swollen, it’s a clear indication that all’s not well with your knees. You may feel temporary relief after taking anti-inflammatory medicines or applying pain-relieving gel, but if the swelling doesn’t go away on its own in a few days, it hints that there might be some issues with the cartilage and needs a detailed X-ray examination and blood tests to determine the actual cause.

You are 60 or above: Knee replacement is highly advisable for people who are above 60. Your knee flexibility gets reduced with age. The knee movement and flexibility of a young person in their 30s will be much higher than someone who’s 60 or above. Constant wear and tear in our early 30s affect us when we are in our 60s.

Doctors may suggest a complete knee replacement treatment options for people who are in their 60s to continue with their active lifestyle and not let the affected knee or knees limit their movements.

You’re Suffering from Arthritis: Patients who are already suffering from arthritis need to be more cautious. It has been observed that arthritic patients and those suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis often go for a total knee replacement. It’s because most of these patients suffer from cartilage loss due to constant wear and tear. To prevent further loss of movements or to retain an active lifestyle like walking, running and taking part in the gym, these patients prefer knee replacement surgery.

Deformed Knee after an Accident: If your knee got severely damaged or deformed after a serious accident or fall, you need knee replacement surgery. Much of your daily activity will be badly impacted due to a deformed knee. It can affect your ability to walk or run leading to an inactive lifestyle and leading to other serious diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

In Conclusion

Our knee works every time we walk, sit, move or run. Even during sleep when we turn to our sides, our knees play a key role. So, we need to keep our knees in the best possible condition to maintain our active lifestyle. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please don’t delay in seeking an appointment with a doctor at the best knee replacement hospital near you.