Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery

Written by Tiana Schisel, Next Step Rehab Manager

According to the American Osteopathic Association, more than one-third of Americans have knee pain. If you are like these people and have a bad knee, you are probably considering having surgery, but are worried about the recovery, complications, managing the pain or time away from work. However, there are many reasons knee replacement surgery might be right for you. Some of them include pain relief, improved mobility, a better treatment response and a high success and satisfaction rate.

Knee pain is especially disabling because it prevents you from walking long distances. Even moderate knee pain can interfere with your ability to take care of your family or do a good job at work. Surgery might be appropriate for you if you have trouble walking more than a few blocks without experiencing significant pain, or if you cannot walk without the help of a cane or walker. Knee surgery may also be right for you if other treatments do not work, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or cortisone injections. Having knee replacement surgery will reduce the need for all of these. Also, having a knee replacement will alleviate the pain and help you resume a normal lifestyle. After surgery, you can return to doing the things you love, such as walking, running or playing golf.

There are no age restrictions for total knee replacement surgery. Doctors base recommendations for surgery on the patient’s pain and disability, and not the patient’s age. While most patients who undergo total knee replacements are aged 50 to 80, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, knee surgery improves the quality of life for patients of all physical abilities and ages, from teenage athletes to elderly patients.

Knee replacement surgery is highly successful and has very high patient satisfaction rates. According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 95% of patients are satisfied with the results after knee replacement surgery one year after the procedure.

If you have a planned knee replacement surgery, and you think you might need an inpatient rehab stay after, please contact Mandy Hein, Admissions Coordinator today to pre-register at 920-684-7171 ext. 231 or email mhein@felicianvillage.org.