It’s very normal for older and middle-aged people to suffer from knee pain. While there are plenty of treatments for this type of pain, there are some people who get severe pain in their knees, making them unable to carry on with their normal life because of this. In some cases, the only option is knee replacement surgery performed by New Orleans orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Meyer.
Typically, one of the main reasons why many people consider knee replacement surgery is because they have a degenerative joint disease that causes permanent pain to their knees. And along with normal wear and tear, it’s very normal for members of the older population to suffer from knee pain as a result of aging of the joint.
The main reason many people decide to have knee replacement surgery is to get relief from the chronic pain. The main causes of knee pain are:
- ligament tears
- cartilage defects
- osteoarthritis
- meniscus tears.
Knee replacement surgery can be total or partial. This depends on how serious the condition is and what your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon recommends. Basically, the surgery will involve the replacement of the damaged or diseased joint surfaces with plastic or metal components.
So are you a good candidate?
If your symptoms include the following then it’s time to see your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon:
1. Difficulty in walking or moving your leg.
2. Permanent pain in the knee.
3. When the joint swells.
Usually, knee implants can last for two decades or more. Generally, the knee replacement surgery will last for about an hour and half. Metals staples are used to close the incision and they will be removed after about two weeks.
If you are considering knee replacement surgery and want to know if you are a good candidate, call New Orleans orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Meyer to Schedule a Consultation.