At the age of 16, I started exercising regularly. This decision drastically changed my life for the better. I lost an enormous amount of weight and went down three dress sizes. Unfortunately, I had to undergo orthopedic surgery 8 years ago to remove torn cartilage from my left knee. After my surgery, I was afraid to work out due to the continual swelling in my knee. Thankfully, I made an appointment with my orthopedic doctor to talk about this issue. This medical professional prescribed a comfortable and protective knee brace for me to wear while exercising. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an orthopedic doctor can help you exercise again.
If you are experiencing chronic knee pain and have been considering surgery, visiting a knee replacement surgeon is an important step in your journey toward relief. In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect when visiting a knee replacement surgeon, including the initial consultation, pre-surgery preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and the recovery process.
Consult
The first step in visiting a knee replacement surgeon is scheduling an initial consultation. During this appointment, the surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination of your knee, and may order additional tests such as x-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of damage to your knee joint. This consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and discuss your goals and expectations for surgery.
Preparation
Once you have decided to move forward with knee replacement surgery, your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. This may include stopping certain medications, fasting before surgery, and making arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital on the day of the operation. It is important to follow these instructions closely to ensure a successful outcome.
Procedure
The surgical procedure itself typically takes a few hours and is performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the damaged portions of your knee joint will be removed and replaced with artificial metal or plastic components. Your surgeon will then close the incision with sutures or staples and apply bandages to protect the area.
Recovery
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room, where medical staff will monitor your vital signs as you wake up from anesthesia. You may experience some pain and swelling in your knee following the procedure, but this can be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Physical therapy will also play a crucial role in helping you regain strength and mobility in your new joint.
Visiting a knee replacement surgeon can be a life-changing experience for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain. By understanding what to expect during each step of the process – from the initial consultation to post-operative care – patients can feel more prepared and confident in their decision to undergo surgery. Remember that every individual's experience with knee replacement surgery is unique, so it is important to communicate openly with your surgeon throughout the entire process. With proper preparation, skilled surgical care, and dedicated rehabilitation efforts, many patients find relief from their pain and can return to their daily activities with improved mobility and quality of life.
Contact a local clinic, such as Associates In Orthopedics & Sports Medicine PC, to learn more.
Share29 July 2024
