Thinking big is good but not in all cases, especially when it comes to taking a treatment. A simple cramp, tear or pain doesn't always require a surgery, but just because your doctor told its chronic, you nod to undergo a big bang surgery, NO, never do that as there is always another way around.Our knee, the one that holds our thigh and lower leg together is the largest joint in the human body and hence is burdened with too many functionalities and is prone to pain and injuries. But, for any type of knee condition, Total Knee Replacement Surgery is not at all the only solution.
WHAT IS TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY? When all the anti-inflammatory and pain medications fail to shoo away the long-lasting knee trouble, doctors recommend the surgical procedure called 'Knee Replacement' to which we too agree without giving a second thought. Knee replacement surgery is an invasive technique of removing the damaged cartilage and bone and implanting an artificial joint made from metal, plastic, and other synthetic materials which will definitely cure your knee but with some drawbacks. Let's see what are they:
RISKS OF KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY Before you proceed to get your knees replaced, know the following risks that are associated with the surgery or that may arise depending on how your body will react to the operation.
Anaesthesia and its side effects Though the dose of anaesthesia makes the patient unresponsive to pain and help carry out the surgery smoothly, its side effects like nausea, headaches, heart attack or stroke and allergic reactions, do follow.
Invading infections An open wound invites infection. A slight opening is all a bacteria needs to settle in. Redness, swelling, warmth, discharge from the surgical site, fever and chills are the signs of infection.
Bleeding and blood clots Although bleeding is normal during and after surgery, when occurs in excess, requires a transfusion. And if in case a blood vessel gets damaged during the surgery or due to the lack of movement by the patient after the surgery, blood flow can slow down causing it to clot which is even more life-threatening.
Pain and swelling Both conditions are common after surgery, but the risk depends on its severity. If both conditions persist even a few months after the surgery, other treatments may be required.
Breathing troubles As said before anaesthesia can cause several damages to the body. Some may face breathing problem after the surgery which can worsen into pneumonia if mucus builds up.
Nerve and artery damage If accidentally a nerve or blood vessel running close to the knee gets cut, only a second surgery can repair the damage.
Allergic reaction The metal components used in knee implants can trigger allergic reactions in some like swelling, rashes, blisters or major symptoms like weakness, diarrhoea, headache, and even loss of function in the implant area.
Implant failure In spite of the success of Joint Replacement Technology, it's not perfect. Hence, can fail. The new joint may loosen up or worn out which will require another procedure to fix it.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Weight loss and exercise
Losing pounds will lessen the load on your knee while exercise will strengthen the muscles around it, thus you will experience a reduction in pain gradually.Get support and rest well
Some minor knee conditions can be easily cured using compression stockings or ice/heat pad. You can also seek the help of a cane, or a walker if need an extra support. Above all, get proper rest.Electrotherapy/ Physiotherapy
One of the bestnon-invasive treatment for mild to chronic knee conditions is none other than a therapy. You can either consult a physical therapist or own such electrical stimulation orultrasound therapy machines that are now easily available in the market as well as are extremely beneficial. These tools reduce the sensation of pain without any side effects and help your body heal naturally, setting you free from pain permanently.So if your knees are facing difficulties in managing your daily activities, don't think of replacing them directly, instead heal them.