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Knee pain can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and injury from a car crash or sports. When you have chronic pain in your knee that affects your lifestyle, you need to see a qualified knee surgeon for treatment. An expert can examine your knee and suggest surgery to manage the pain and improve mobility.
Is There an Age Limit for Knee Surgery?
Knee surgery can be done on patients aged 50 to 80 years due to wear and tear to the knees. Younger patients in their 20s can also undergo knee replacement if they have a severe injury that can’t be managed with non-surgical treatment. Knee surgery doesn’t depend on age but on the condition of your knee and persistent pain. Putting off this surgery because you are young can worsen your knee problem.
When Is It Time for Knee Surgery?
Before undergoing knee surgery, an expert can perform a physical exam and take X-rays of the affected area. The professional can also carry out blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging to determine the severity of your knee problem. If your knee has severe damage, an expert can recommend surgery.
A knee surgeon can also suggest surgery under the following conditions:
- You experience knee pain during sleep
- There are signs of swelling on your knee
- You have difficulty moving and walking
- You’ve had a severe knee injury
- Everyday tasks like shopping or bathing have become challenging
- You experience knee joint stiffness
Your medical history and knee pain treatment history can determine if you need surgery. If non-surgical treatments are no longer working, it could be time for knee surgery. A surgeon can assess your overall health to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Types of Knee Surgery
You can undergo a whole knee replacement or partial knee replacement, depending on the severity of your knee issue. Knee replacement or arthroplasty involves replacing a worn knee with an artificial joint. Advanced arthritis can cause joint damage and create bone-on-bone contact. A surgeon performs total knee replacement on both sides of your bone joint due to the deterioration.
Partial knee replacement entails replacing one side of your joint after trauma from a sports injury or car accident. A surgeon can replace your knee with the following goals in mind:
- To enhance your quality of life
- To relieve your constant knee pain
- To make it easy for you to move around
Surgery can be accompanied by rehabilitation to foster healing and reduce inflammation. An expert can also recommend changing your diet and other lifestyle habits. Keeping your knee joints straight without bending them can promote healing.
Knee Surgery at a Young Age
Young people can get knee surgery without any restrictions. If you are physically active, your implants could wear, prompting another surgery. Your doctor could recommend low-impact activities, such as yoga, swimming, golf, cycling, and walking. You can also engage in low-resistance weightlifting.
An expert can check your knees regularly once you heal to determine whether they are healthy. If you are a young patient, your surgeon could offer additional tips to care for your knees.
Who Isn’t Eligible for Knee Surgery?
Regardless of age, some people aren’t eligible for knee surgery or replacement. If you have weak quadriceps, your thigh muscles can’t support the new knee joint. Patients with deep ulcers below the skin aren’t good candidates since the ulcers increase the risk of infection.
If you have an active infection in the knee or surrounding area, you will need to wait until it gets better before scheduling surgery.
Individuals with severe health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, might not be good candidates for knee surgery. They need medical management and lifestyle changes to become healthy and get a knee replacement.
People with blood-clotting disorders could consult a surgeon first since they might not be eligible for the procedure.
Choose a Board-Certified Knee Surgeon
If you have consistent knee pain, you can book an appointment with a board-certified knee surgeon. This professional can examine your knee and perform a series of tests. A surgeon can perform knee replacement for young and older patients, provided they are eligible for the procedure. Whether you are a healthy athlete or a senior citizen, knee replacement can benefit you.
