What You Need To Know About Total Knee Replacement Surgery

When you have pain in your knee, you want to resolve it once and for all. After trying multiple non-surgical solutions, there may come a time when you opt for surgery. Before you head into the operating room, there are some things you must know about total knee replacement surgery. Preparing before surgery and following post-surgery instructions will ensure a successful result.

Ensure a complete medical examination happens before the surgical procedure. Your surgeon will take your medical history and review images to determine the strategy to use during the operation. Ensure you understand the examination results and ask questions about the surgery and recovery.

Total knee replacement surgery can be performed for several reasons. The first reason would be an injury. Whether from sports or an accident, when bones in the knee are injured or broken, surgery may be required to repair the damage. In these cases, non-surgical options may not be available, and surgery is the only viable option.

Other conditions can affect the knee, causing pain. Arthritis or osteoarthritis are two degenerative conditions that cause increasing discomfort. This chronic pain can reduce mobility and interfere with a person’s day-to-day activities. There are non-surgical options at the beginning, such as cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications, but there may come a time when those are no longer effective.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery replaces the damaged bone with an artificial joint made from metal. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and medications are used in the recovery process. Following your doctor’s and physical therapist’s instructions will reduce recovery time.

Your doctor will explain the risks. Remember, it is a significant operation, and some issues may arise in the operating room, during recovery, or even in the future. Being well informed about the surgery and post-surgery recovery will reduce stress, and that always helps achieve the desired results.

For more information on total knee replacement surgery, contact Dr. Dan Albright. Call 919-863-6808

How To Recover From Knee Surgery

Having healthy and robust knees is crucial when executing day-to-day activities. At times, accidents and injuries occur, and you require surgery. In the case of knee surgery, the recovery may be challenging. Depending on the patient’s physical health and fitness before the surgery, recovery may take anywhere from six weeks to one year. So, how can you recover from knee surgery quickly?

Exercise plays a significant role. For faster recovery, the knee joint needs to be active. Starting with mild exercise like stretching, you can strengthen the muscles and straighten the legs. Note that you should consult with a doctor or physical therapist to learn the best exercise regime for you. Doing strenuous exercises or tasks can lead to more harm.

Engage in physical therapy. If you feel that you require guidance on what to do, consult a physical therapist who will explicitly teach how to recover faster. Physical therapy is one of the approaches that will give positive results within a short duration.

Keep walking. Please do not assume that because you are recovering, then it is time to bed rest. In most cases, a movement will not cause you any harm. Walking is one way of strengthening your leg and muscles around the knee. Start with short distances a few times a day and then lengthen the distance as you grow stronger.

Ensure your knees are straight when relaxing. This position might not be an easy thing to do, but it is worth trying. When the leg is straightened, blood flows freely, aiding in your healing. Whether you are sitting, or in a wheelchair, learn to straighten your leg.

For more information on knee surgery recovery, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Tips For Faster Recovery After Knee Surgery

It is vital to maintain strong, healthy knees to perform daily activities. A single fall can keep you from enjoying leisure activities or carrying out your everyday routine. An operation may be needed to resolve an issue and get you back to health. On average, it takes six months for recovery and up to a year before being able to do strenuous physical activities. There are several tips to help with a faster recovery after knee surgery.

If you have undergone ligament reconstruction, exercise helps improve balance, mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength. Low impact activities like swimming or cycling six to twelve weeks after the operation are recommended. This kind of exercise allows the body to strengthen without putting too much stress on the joint. No activity should be done without consulting your doctor or physical therapist.

For the individual with osteoarthritis, a replacement procedure may be considered, especially if there is severe pain involved. When simple daily chores become more challenging due to the damage, replacement may be the only option. Physical therapy is an essential aspect of a speedy recovery. The therapist will provide the adaptations and techniques needed to carry out daily tasks safely.

Immediately after the surgery, it is crucial to avoid squatting, kneeling, and excessive stair climbing. Following your doctor’s advice is vital for a successful recovery. If you fail to follow instructions, it can slow the recovery time.

A physical therapist can help you return to your best health and range of motion as soon as possible. Everyone recovers at a different pace, so it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor about any issues or concerns.

For more information on recovery from knee surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Three Things Your Knee Replacement Surgeon Needs To Know Ahead Of Your Procedure

If you are planning on having your knee repaired or replaced, it is crucial to keep your doctors informed of changes in health or habits. Without this information, these professionals cannot possibly deliver the level of needs-specific care and attention that you require. Following are a few things that your knee replacement surgeon ought to know ahead of your procedure.

All of the medications that you are currently using should be reported to the doctor right away. Certain prescription drugs can complicate surgical treatment due to the impact that they have on clotting abilities and bleeding. For instance, blood thinners can increase the risk of problems by making it more difficult for your surgeon to get bleeding under control. These drugs can also increase the severity of any post-treatment bruising.
Several store-bought products can have similar effects.  Aspirin and Ibuprofen, which are commonly used for heart therapy and pain relief, are blood thinners. They fall into a category of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Tell your doctor if you have been using these products as they will need to be discontinued a suitable amount of time before your treatment.

It is also essential to talk about any chronic health issues that you have. Problems like diabetes and hypertension can complicate these procedures, and they also increase the overall risks of invasive treatment. It is crucial for you and your primary physician to get these issues under control ahead of your procedure.

Speak with your doctor about any fears that you might have concerning the healing process or the actual surgery itself. If you have questions, it is essential to seek answers. Discussing your issues with your doctor and surgeon will allow you to approach this procedure with peace of mind, and have information for successfully managing your recovery.

For more information on knee replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Taking Care Of Knee Pain

The legs are the human body’s wheels that carry us from place to place. However, knee pain can be debilitating and prevent standard functionality and performance. Whether due to water build-up, loose cartilage, or swelling and arthritis, knee pain can impact a person’s lifestyle by affecting their mobility.

To get your mobility back, consult with an orthopedic specialist or sports injury doctor. With years of extensive experience, these physicians have the tools and expertise to get your life back on track. They specialize in alleviating pain in the joints by reducing the pain-causing swelling and inflammation. Treatment may include therapeutic massages, rehabilitative exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Some patients dealing with leg and calf tension can also see their local chiropractors. These professionals offer natural, holistic remedies for all types of knee injuries. These injuries may include pain due to car accidents, obesity, water retention, or sports mishaps. As part of any examination, the doctor will request scans and imaging to pinpoint and address the areas in distress.

Knee replacement surgery may be an option when all other treatments have been exhausted. However, not all sufferers are candidates for this intricate procedure. Many sufferers may prefer medications or rehab as opposed to having surgery. Your doctor or orthopedic specialist will recommend the best treatment for you. If you do opt for surgery, it can take several weeks or months to get back your mobility, flexibility, and balance.

Whether dealing with sprains, swelling, or recurring stress, you need to have any prolonged knee pain examined by a professional. This check-up can prevent further injuries from occurring and get you mobile again.

For more information on dealing with knee pain, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

What To Know About Knee Replacement

Knee arthroplasty is designed to alleviate pain and immobility issues. This surgical procedure also known as knee replacement relieves pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis in the knees. This technique helps restore the knee to optimal functionality.

Some people opt for this procedure for meniscus tears and cartilage defects. Many athletes have undergone this surgery because of ligament tears and chronic pain in the legs. While elderly folks are most susceptible to osteoarthritis, this condition can affect persons of any age. Whether you need partial or complete replacement, your primary care physician or surgeon will discuss the procedure in great detail.

One of the key results of this surgery is better mobility.  Post-surgery, the patient can bend the knees without chronic or recurring pain and stiffness. The patient will have to go through physical rehabilitation to get back to complete functionality. This recovery stage may last 6 weeks or longer.

Post-surgical care is essential in preventing infection and other complications.  Abiding by the surgeon’s instructions and orders is critical. These instructions may include the type of pain relievers to take, as well as how to walk correctly with crutches, canes, and walkers. Most procedures are successful, and replacements can last for up to 25 years. It will be up to your doctor and surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate after a medical evaluation and consultation.

If dealing with mobility or pain issues in the legs, now is the right time to have a full examination. There is no need to live in constant pain or to have reduced mobility when there is a remedy.

For more information on knee replacement surgery contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Experiencing Knee Pain Inside Of Knee

Much like your elbow, your knee holds a compact bundle of nerves. This network is something that you probably think very little about until you happen to bump it. Much like the funny bone, it can send waves of pain radiating through your body leaving your limbs feeling like much-abused tuning forks. If you have knee pain inside of your knee,  a recent bump or bruise may have caused some nerve irritation.

There are other reasons why this type of discomfort might occur. For example, you might be dealing with arthritis. This condition typically occurs whenever there is inflammation in the joints. Your knees are the joints that you use the most, to walk, get up, sit down, jump, and change elevation.  Due to their constant use, they are generally among the first joints to experience the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

When arthritis is an issue, you can consult with your doctor about using anti-inflammatory medications as a means of therapy. It is also a good idea to implement an anti-inflammatory diet. This often means limiting your consumption of red meats, alcohol and above all things, white sugar and other simple carbohydrates. By reducing inflammation in the whole body, arthritis flare-ups will be less frequent, less severe, and much shorter in their duration.

Another common cause of this discomfort is hormonal change. This situation can be induced if you are a gym enthusiast with a rigorous body-building routine that includes the use of either prohormones or steroids. Hormones perform essential functions like keeping your joints lubricated and moderating inflammation. Some people experience discomfort as a result of mid-life hormonal changes. When this is the case, consult with your doctor about using natural strategies to balance out your chemical composition.

There are lots of reasons why you might be experiencing stiffness and soreness in this particular area. A short, sharp ding that connects with the sensitive nerves at the knee interior can cause latent pain for quite some time. Hormonal changes, significant weight gain, and arthritis are common causes of this discomfort as well. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor will be the quickest way to identify the source of the problem and to develop a plan for resolving it.

To discuss knee pain inside the knee and possible solutions, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Important Things To Know Before Scheduling Your Knee Replacement Surgery

After years of dealing with knee pain and excessive stiffness in the knee joint, you may be ready to try a surgical intervention. Knee replacement surgery is a very invasive procedure and one that will require an extended period of healing. For these and many other reasons, there are some essential things that you should know before scheduling this treatment.

This procedure requires incisions, removal of tissue and bone, and various other, structural alterations; your doctor will want to make sure that your bleeding and clotting abilities are not diminished by any medications or supplements that you might be taking. Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are blood thinners, so these medications and others like it should be discontinued at least three to four weeks ahead of your procedure. If necessary, your doctor can recommend alternative forms of pain control throughout this time.

One of the most important things to know about these treatments is that they are generally considered to be best used as a final measure. You should always learn more about non-invasive and natural strategies that you can use to minimize your pain and preserve your mobility. You should take the time to consult with a physical therapist, chiropractors, and other hands-on practitioners before choosing to work with a surgeon. In fact, this is a recommendation that many surgeons make themselves.

You have to be in good general health before having this treatment performed. Good health means that chronic and potentially progressive issues such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are under control ahead of having your procedure schedule. Your doctor can manage these via the appropriate lifestyle changes and medication routines to limit the risks of undergoing an invasive and elective procedure.

All patients must have an adequate amount of help on hand during the recovery process. It can take six months or as long as one full year for a person to completely recover from this treatment and other joint surgeries like it. Throughout the very earliest stages of the related recovery effort, you’re going to need help with bathing, food preparation, toileting, dressing, and many other things.

For more information on knee replacement surgery, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

 

How To Manage Arthritis And Knee Pain

There are many causes for joint discomfort. Inflammation and stiffness are typically related to arthritis and knee pain. This disease can affect any joint in your body. However, the knees are commonly affected. When the knees are affected, problems participating in daily activities develop. For example, climbing stairs and walking becomes difficult and painful and can lead to time lost at work or severe disability.

There are over one hundred forms of the disease. The most common are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Typically this is a disease that affects adults. However, some types will afflict children. Even though there is no known cure for the disease, there are a variety of therapy choices available to assist in managing the symptoms and keeping folks active.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and posttraumatic arthritis are the major types of the disease that affect the knees. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and is the most common type. Folks aged fifty and over are struck by this type although it can occur in people of younger ages. It develops slowly, and the discomfort becomes increasingly worse over time because the bone rubs against bone and spurs form.

Rheumatoid arthritis will strike various joints in the body and is a chronic disorder. It will also affect the knees, and it attacks the same joints at the same time on both sides the body. The membrane covering the knee joint starts to swell and causes stiffness and pain. This condition is an autoimmune disease which will damage healthy tissue and weakens bones. The posttraumatic form of the disease can develop years after a knee injury.

Several supplements can help alleviate joint discomfort and pain. These supplements include, but are not limited to, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM or methylsulfonylmethane, and ginger extract. Talk with your healthcare professional before taking supplements.

For more information on arthritis and knee pain contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

 

 

What You Need To Know About Having A Knee Sprain

The ability to walk without pain is something that most people take for granted. However, if you ever get a knee sprain, you will no longer take your mobility for granted. Trying to get around while being hobbled with an injury is painful and very inconvenient, especially when it happens to one of your knees.

Knee sprains occur when one or more of the four ligaments in your knee suffer an injury. This injury could be a tear or a stretching of the tissue. These ligament tissues hold your bones together and keep them in place. If they can’t do this crucial job, you will likely have trouble walking, as well as turning or twisting. You have to be able to do all three of these things to get around without impediment.

Sprains often happen very suddenly, and the pain and symptoms often come just as swiftly. There may have been a pop when it happened. You will see a drop in your mobility due to pain and stiffness. If you try to walk, your knee may buckle, which limits your ability to get around. The area might be tender to the touch. Swelling will occur, and possibly bruising as well.

Sprains can happen for a variety of reasons. You may have on shoes that are slippery or do not provide ample support. If you have had a previous strain, you may be susceptible to future ones, so your chances of a recurrence are heightened. Athletes are also at risk, especially if they did not warm up properly or stretch before engaging in exercising or sports competitions.

Depending on how bad it is, you may need nothing more than some rest and an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen. More severe injuries may require a support device such as a brace and even physical therapy. In really severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Always follow the recovery plan of your doctor for the swiftest recovery possible.

For more information, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.