Knee Pain

Knee pain can limit your movement and make everyday activities challenging. While certain cases of knee pain can be managed at home, chronic knee pain may need to be evaluated by a doctor. In years past, joint pain was often reasoned away with the adage, “I’m just getting older.” But that myth has been busted with improvements in medicine, science, and technology. It may now be medically possible to get rid of knee pain.

Ask yourself: Is knee pain preventing you from enjoying some of your favorite activities with friends and family, such as hiking, golfing, or taking a simple walk? Do you experience knee pain when walking or squatting, rely on one leg more than the other, or avoid everyday activities because they hurt your knee? You don’t have to live with pain like this. Desert Care Network in Coachella Valley is here to guide you toward knee pain relief and recovery.

Some knee pain cases may not be a sign of a serious condition and can be managed at home. However, if your knee pain persists, schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. A physician can help pinpoint the cause of your pain. From addressing knee arthritis to exploring knee surgery options, our orthopedic team can diagnose your condition and customize a treatment plan.

Normal wear and tear or injury may cause your knee joint to hurt. Other knee pain conditions include:

• Bursitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Kneecap dislocation
• Kneecap fracture
• Patellofemoral syndrome
• Torn ligament
• Torn cartilage (meniscus tear)
• Strain or sprain

If you’ve already tried different treatment options to relieve pain, such as over-the-counter medications and therapy, without success, your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery. This procedure involves removing damaged or diseased knee joint parts and replacing them with artificial parts, prostheses, or implants.

Depending on the extent of knee joint damage, your doctor may recommend a partial or total knee replacement. A partial knee replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint, while a total knee replacement replaces both sides of the joint.

Knee replacement implants that may be used include:

• Metal on plastic — the most common implant type.
• Ceramic on plastic — may be recommended for patients sensitive to nickel, which is commonly used in metal implants.
• Ceramic on ceramic — least likely to cause a bodily reaction, though it may produce a squeaking noise when walking.

The most common reasons for knee replacement surgery include:

• Osteoarthritis, a loss of joint cartilage that limits movement, causes pain, and interferes with daily activities
• Other forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis
• Damage to the knee, including fractures, torn cartilage, and/or torn ligaments
• Degenerative joint disease

There are no age or weight restrictions for total knee replacement surgery. Only an orthopedic doctor can assess whether a patient is a suitable candidate. If you have the following knee conditions or injuries, your orthopedic doctor may recommend knee surgery:

• Knee arthritis — osteoarthritis caused by cartilage breakdown and underlying bone changes, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Bone tumors — abnormal tissue growths that form when bone cells divide uncontrollably.
• Osteonecrosis — a bone disease that can cause bone tissue death and collapse of surrounding joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and damage.
• Posttraumatic arthritis — may develop after severe knee injuries such as fractures or ligament tears that damage articular cartilage over time.
• Non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease
• Loss of joint cartilage

Our skilled orthopedic team evaluates each patient individually, providing personalized recommendations based on their unique circumstances.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), more than 90% of total knee replacements are still functioning well 15 years after surgery. However, knee replacement lifespan varies depending on individual lifestyle and activity level and may be affected by long-term wear and tear.

Some patients may require revision surgery during their lifetime. Following your orthopedic surgeon’s instructions for post-surgical knee care and overall health can help maintain the long-term performance of your replacement implant.

At Desert Care Network, we prioritize longevity and durability, ensuring our patients’ knee replacement prostheses are designed to support their lifestyle for years to come.

After knee replacement surgery, your doctor may require a short hospital stay depending on your age, existing health conditions, and joint-related concerns. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to return home.

Experiencing pain or discomfort in the replaced joint is normal during early recovery, as your body heals and muscles regain strength. Pain may last several weeks, swelling may last two to three weeks (and sometimes up to three to six months), and bruising may appear one to two weeks after surgery.

Here are some tips to help ease your recovery:

• Manage your pain and swelling — take pain medication as prescribed and consider setting reminders to stay on schedule. Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling. Contact your doctor if swelling is severe or accompanied by fever, chills, wound drainage, or other unusual symptoms.
• Move around safely — patients often use a walker for the first few weeks, followed by a cane for several more weeks. Keep walkways clear to prevent falls and limit stair use during early recovery.
• Stay physically active — physical or occupational therapy can help restore knee movement and strengthen your leg. Consistency with therapy sessions and exercises is key to recovery.

Our team is committed to supporting you throughout your knee replacement recovery. In addition to customizing surgical care, we tailor recovery plans to your specific needs to ensure a smooth and successful return to mobility.