Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement

John Miller Physiotherapist

Article by John Miller

What is a Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability. It is most commonly performed for osteoarthritis and other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a partial or a total knee replacement. In general, the surgery consists of replacing the diseased or damaged joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.

What Causes Knee Joint Deterioration?

Knee arthritis (inflammation of your knee joint) is a major cause of knee joint deterioration. The most common arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is inflammation related to wear and tear of the knee joint.

Wearing your knee joint is a common problem with ageing. However, certain conditions can accelerate the process of wear.

Injury to your knee joint, surgical procedures, muscle weakness or increased body weight all accelerate the load and hence the wear and tear of the knee joint.

Rheumatoid disease, gout or infection can also increase your joint wear and tear.

Interesting fact: If you lose just 10 kilograms of weight, you can reduce the load on your knees by half!

What are the Symptoms of Knee Joint Arthritis?

The obvious sign of wear and tear of the knee joint is pain. Knee pain can be achy or sharp and may be accompanied by swelling.

Because your knees do not wear equally across the joint surface, a deformity may begin to appear over time. This can be both knock-kneed or bow-legged in appearance or windswept knees (one of each).

You may also find one or both knees lacking full movement, especially extension.

How is Knee Arthritis Diagnosed?

On examination, your physiotherapist or doctor will look for signs of limited knee movement and deformity, swelling and, importantly, knee pain. In most cases, an X-ray will be sufficient to show the degree of wear and tear. An MRI may also be used to exclude soft tissue pathology.

Please arrange an appointment with your trusted healthcare professional with a special interest in knees for specific advice.

What is the Treatment for Total Knee Replacement?

Pre Operative Physiotherapy

Pre-operatively you may be prescribed a course of physiotherapy to prepare better your knee and its surrounding muscles for the upcoming surgery.

Studies indicate that the better your muscle strength and knee range of movement before surgery, the better your recovery.

Post Operative Physiotherapy

Many patients with a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) start to feel better within a few weeks of the surgery.

Post-operative physiotherapy is important to regain full knee motion, strength and day to day function.

Your post-operative physiotherapy treatment will aim to:

  • Reduce knee pain and inflammation.
  • Normalise knee joint range of motion.
  • Strengthen your knee muscles: quadriceps (esp VMO) and hamstrings.
  • Strengthen your lower limb: calves, hip and pelvis muscles.
  • Improve patellofemoral (knee cap) alignment
  • Normalise your muscle lengths
  • Improve your proprioception, agility and balance
  • Improve your technique and function, e.g. walking, stair climbing, squatting and bending
  • Minimise your chance of re-injury.

Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery

Risks of knee replacement surgery include infection, persistent instability and knee pain, knee stiffness, and difficulty returning to your previous level of activity. The good news is that better than 90% of patients have no complications post-surgery.

Interesting Fact

The first Total Knee Replacement (TKR) was pioneered by Leslie Gordon Percival Shiers (FRCS) in 1954. He refused to patent his invention but rather allow other surgeons to modify and improve on his ideas.

Return to Activity Post-Total Knee Replacement

You can return to most activities following a successful knee replacement. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the knee prosthesis, it is currently not recommended to return to high impact activities such as running and jumping. Less high impact sports such as golf, bowls or swimming are encouraged.

Your knee physiotherapist will guide you. Please seek their advice.

Knee Pain Causes

A Comprehensive Guide

Knee pain is often a symptom of underlying issues ranging from acute injuries to systemic health conditions. Identifying knee pain causes is essential for effective treatment. This guide offers an overview of potential culprits, providing a pathway to understanding and addressing your knee discomfort.

Knee Pain Causes
Knee Pain Causes

Knee Ligament Injuries

Ligament injuries, such as ACL and PCL tears, are significant knee pain causes. They can lead to instability and severe discomfort, requiring prompt medical evaluation.

ACL Injuries

An ACL injury is a common sports-related knee injury that can lead to long-term knee pain and require surgical intervention.

Knee Meniscus Injuries

Meniscus tears, often caused by twisting or turning quickly, are prevalent knee pain causes, with treatment options varying based on severity.

Kneecap Pain

Pain in the kneecap can arise from various conditions, affecting your ability to engage in daily activities comfortably.

Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading cause of knee pain, particularly in older adults, with symptoms that can significantly impair quality of life.

Knee Tendon Injuries

Tendon injuries can result from overuse or sudden, high-impact activities, contributing to ongoing knee pain.

Muscle Injuries

Muscle strains and related conditions are common knee pain causes, especially among athletes and active individuals.

Knee Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursae can cause significant knee pain, often requiring targeted treatment to reduce symptoms.

Children’s Knee Conditions

Young athletes can experience specific knee conditions related to growth and activity levels.

Other Knee-Related Conditions

Various other conditions can lead to knee pain, necessitating a broad understanding of potential knee pain causes.

Knee Surgery

In some cases, surgical intervention may be the best option to address certain knee pain causes effectively.

Seek Professional Advice

For tailored information regarding your knee pain, consult a healthcare professional with experience in knee conditions, such as a knee physiotherapist, sports physician or knee surgeon. They can provide a personalised assessment and treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Knee Pain Products & FAQs

A variety of products can support knee pain management. Browse our selection and read our FAQs to learn more about how to alleviate knee discomfort. More info: Knee Pain Products & FAQs

With this guide, you’re better equipped to understand the various knee pain causes and take the first step towards recovery. Remember, early intervention by a skilled physiotherapist can significantly improve your outcomes and assist in returning you to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Knee Pain FAQs

Knee pain is a widespread issue, impacting individuals of varying ages and lifestyles. Causes range from injuries and wear and tear to conditions like arthritis. This FAQ section aims to provide insights into knee pain, covering diagnosis, ligament issues, ACL injuries, meniscal injuries, age and arthritis concerns, and pain relief methods through exercise and treatment.

Feel free to click on the questions to for deeper discussions into each topic.

knee pain faqs
Knee Pain Faqs

Diagnosis Related

How Can I Determine If My Knee Injury Is Serious?

  • Learn to assess the severity of your knee injury based on symptoms and situations.

How Can I Identify The Type Of Knee Injury I Have?

  • Discover how different knee injuries manifest and what signs to look for.

When Should I Seek a Physiotherapist or Doctor for My Knee Injury?

  • Find out the right time to consult professionals for your knee concerns.

Is Knee Clicking a Sign of a Serious Condition?

  • Understand what knee clicking indicates about your joint health.

When Should I Consider Getting a MRI for My Knee?

  • Learn about the circumstances when an MRI becomes necessary.

Why Has My Knee Suddenly Started Hurting?

  • Explore potential reasons behind sudden knee pain.

Why Does My Knee Hurt On The Inner Side?

  • Identify causes of inner knee pain and when to seek help.

Knee Ligament Related

What Are The Common Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Knee?

  • Recognise the signs of a torn knee ligament.

Can I Walk With A Torn Ligament In My Knee?

  • Understand the feasibility and risks of walking with a torn ligament.

ACL Related

What are the Consequences of Not Getting Surgery for an ACL Injury?

  • Learn about the long-term effects of untreated ACL injuries.

What Are The Symptoms Of An ACL Tear?

  • Identify the key signs of an ACL tear.

Meniscus Related

Is Surgery Necessary for a Meniscal Injury?

  • Discover when surgery is essential for meniscal injuries.

Can a Torn Meniscus Heal Without Surgery?

  • Find out if meniscal tears can heal naturally.

Age & Arthritis Related

At What Age Do Knee Problems Typically Begin?

  • Learn about the onset age for common knee problems.

What are the Common Symptoms of Arthritis in the Knee?

  • Identify arthritis symptoms in the knee.

Running Related

What are Some Ways that Runners Can Reduce Knee Stress?

  • Explore methods for runners to minimise knee stress.

Knee Treatment & Exercise Related

Is Walking Good For Knee Pain?

  • Understand the benefits of walking for knee pain.

What are Some Effective Ways to Relieve Knee Pain?

  • Discover various methods to alleviate knee pain.

How Much Walking is Recommended for Individuals with Knee Pain?

  • Learn the ideal walking duration for those with knee pain.

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