A problem knee
A problem knee
By: by Gayle Kuhar, RN, Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District
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Posted by editor Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 396 times
0 responses 0 comments No matter how old, knee problems stop you from enjoying activities. It could be a bad injury that did not heal properly, chronic illness, or wear and tear from years of constant use. Medications and arthroscopy may help treat the problem knee, but in many cases, an Orthopaedic Surgeon (a doctor that treats bone and joint problems) can repair or replace all or part of the damaged knee when meds and minor surgery do not help the problem.
The knee is a hinge joint that should move freely without pain. The cartilage in our knee absorbs stress and allows the knee to glide easily, ligaments hold the bones of the joint together, muscles power the knee and leg for movement, and tendons attach the muscles to bones. Whenever one or any of these parts of the knee are damaged, the joint is weakened. Cartilage cannot fully repair itself and wears away until the joints begin to rub together.
Knee replacement surgery almost always reduces joint pain. During the surgery, an artificial implant (a prosthesis) replaces the damaged knee joint.
The benefits:
• Stopped/ reduced joint pain
• Increased leg strength, due to increase leg use
• Improved quality of life allowing low impact activities and daily tasks in comfort
• Most knee replacements last many years, so there will be years of easier movement.
There are many options to repair the problem knee. Speak with your doctor about the latest and proven treatments that are available to help improve your life. Technology in medicine creates constant improvements resulting in improved: surgical techniques; materials to repair joint damage; stronger, lighter prostheses; and medications to help reduce pain and inflammation. Suffering with a problem knee is not something you have to life with.
For more information check out our website at: www.tvhd.org.
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