“I no longer desired to do the things that regularly brought me joy, and the constant pain was debilitating.” –Kim
“I couldn’t stand the pain in my right knee anymore.” – Janice
Knee pain shouldn’t be your constant companion. There are many conservative treatments available for knee pain, but when it stops responding to these efforts, it may be time to consider knee replacement.
Knee replacement is a common procedure and is considered the best treatment for individuals experiencing severe knee pain and disability due to degenerative joint disease. In fact, every year in the United States, over 700,000 people have knee replacement surgery.1 Advances in technology, implant materials, and minimally invasive surgical procedures have helped meet this increasing demand as our population ages and remains active later in life.
Why do so many people elect to have surgery? Because of the benefits to their everyday life. Some of the amazing benefits of knee replacement include:
- Improved mobility
- Relief from pain
- Increased overall health
- Patient Satisfaction
Success rates for knee replacement are very high. In over 90% of people, pain levels and mobility improve significantly after surgery.2 With pain alleviated, the ability to return to an active lifestyle and regular exercise can improve overall health by decreasing other health concerns like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis.
Not only are there benefits for the patient after knee replacement, but a recent study reported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons even showed an improvement in marital relationship and quality of life for the spouse as well.2
Knee replacement can mean a return to enjoying everyday life.
“Dr. Ehmke did a TKR (total knee replacement) on both my knees, 6 months apart. He gave me back my life, that's for sure. I'm no longer left behind and can participate in everything my friends and family do. No more bone on bone pain.” -Laura
If conservative treatments have failed and knee pain is your daily companion, consider knee replacement. The benefits are amazing.
Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement in Chicagoland.
1https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement/
2https://www.healthline.com/health/knee-replacement-surgery-5-reasons#a-common-and-safe-procedure
