You’ve tried it all – pain relievers, physical therapy, exercise, you name it. But nothing works and your knee’s still in pain. That’s when your doctor might suggest a knee replacement. This means swapping the bad parts of your knee joint with artificial parts made of metal or plastic to help your knee move as it should. Some people only need a partial replacement or replacing only one side of the knee, while others need a total replacement or replacing both sides of the knee. It depends on how bad your knee condition is.

You’ve tried it all – pain relievers, physical therapy, exercise, you name it. But nothing works and your knee’s still in pain. That’s when your doctor might suggest a knee replacement. This means swapping the bad parts of your knee joint with artificial parts made of metal or plastic to help your knee move as it should. Some people only need a partial replacement or replacing only one side of the knee, while others need a total replacement or replacing both sides of the knee. It depends on how bad your knee condition is.

At Desert Care Network Primary and Specialty Orthopedic Care, we do knee replacement surgery in a minimally invasive way with the use of the Mako robot, which tends to be easier on the body compared to traditional surgery. The surgeon makes tiny cuts on your knee and uses surgical tools and a special camera which helps the surgeon see inside the joint while they work. While minimally invasive surgery is often associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, some patients with more severe knee damage may benefit more from an open surgery.

If you are scheduled for a joint replacement consultation, your doctor will discuss with you what to expect before, during and after your potential surgery. Grab this opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your procedure. No surgery is one-size-fits-all, so your knee replacement journey is personalized and crafted to fit your health goals and lifestyle.

After getting your knee replacement, the number of days you need to stay in the hospital will depend on your overall health, age or any condition you have related to the affected joint. Your doctor will tell you when you can go home and what you need to do to take care of your new knee.

You may feel some pain and discomfort in your knee for a while. It’s a normal part of healing, which may last up to several weeks. You may experience swelling that may persist for a few months. Bruising may also be visible one to two weeks after surgery. Here are some tips to help ease your recovery:

1. Managing pain and swelling:
   • Set a phone reminder so you can take your meds on time.
   • Ice your knee when it hurts.
   • Call your doctor right away if the swelling worsens or you have a fever.
2. Moving around safely:
   • You may need to use a cane or walker for a few weeks.
   • Watch out for anything that could trip you.
   • Try to avoid the stairs for a while.
3. Staying physically active:
   • Your doctor may refer you to a physical or occupational therapist who will teach you safe workouts to strengthen your knee.
   • Therapy is not a “no pain, no gain” thing, so always tell your therapist if you feel pain when you move.

With good materials and skilled surgeons, 90% of knee replacements can work well for up to 15 years. Factors like wear and tear from moving around can make them less effective over time. That’s why you need to see your doctor regularly so they can check and ensure your joints are in good shape. This way, you can keep enjoying your life without pain for a long time. 

If you're considering total knee replacement or just want to learn more about treatment options to ease your pain, our team is available. Schedule a consultation at Desert Care Network Primary and Specialty Care today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life.