Why Knee Replacement Surgery Might Be Right for You

Knee pain is never fun, and when it becomes chronic, it can affect your entire life, making it difficult to sleep, walk, and enjoy time with family and friends. 

If you’re wondering whether a knee replacement can help, you aren’t alone. Over 790,000 Americans decide to replace their aching knees each year. Whether a knee replacement is right for you is something only an orthopedic surgeon can advise you on.   

At OasisMD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Matthew J. Gargulinski, DO, helps patients in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas, California, struggling with knee pain discover whether a knee replacement is the best treatment option. Dr. Gargulinski uses innovative and proven surgical techniques and tools to ensure you have the best outcome possible. 

If you’re struggling with chronic knee pain, take a moment to learn more about knee replacement surgery and the signs it may be the right treatment for you. 

Knee replacement 101

A knee replacement surgery works to resurface a diseased or damaged knee, commonly from osteoarthritis. Usually performed when other treatment methods are no longer effective, a knee replacement’s goal is to alleviate your pain and restore your mobility. 

During your surgery, Dr. Gargulinski removes any diseased or damaged bone and cartilage. He then replaces these with high-quality prosthetic parts, typically made from polymers, medical-grade plastics, or metal alloys. 

Knee replacement surgery requires anesthesia, and you may receive both general anesthesia to keep you comfortable during surgery as well as regional anesthesia or a nerve block to prevent you from feeling pain in the treatment area. 

All surgeries come with associated risks, and Dr. Gargulinski discusses these with you, addressing your concerns and answering any questions you may have. To help prevent infection, you may receive antibiotics before, during, and after your procedure.    

Signs a knee replacement may be right for you

The best way to know if a knee replacement is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified orthopedist. There are some signs that a knee replacement may be the right treatment for you, however. These include:

• A swollen and stiff knee
• The feeling like you are walking “bone on bone”
• Ineffectiveness of medication and physical therapy to provide pain and mobility relief
• Ineffectiveness of less invasive treatments (e.g., cortisone injections) to reduce the pain or inflammation
• Difficulty and pain of everyday tasks, like walking, getting up from sitting, or standing 
• Continuous daily knee pain, even when you’re resting or trying to sleep

If you’re still able to manage your pain with conservative treatments and are able to complete your normal activities without too much pain or difficulty, you may not need a knee replacement surgery yet. 

Seek expert advice on a knee replacement

Deciding on a knee replacement isn’t a decision to make alone. It’s important to talk to a specialist, like Dr. Gargulinski, about your symptoms and possible risks of knee replacement. At OasisMD, our providers create customized treatment plans based on your symptoms and unique situation.

Dr. Gargulinski considers your medical history, any underlying conditions, and any lifestyle factors that may impact your ability to have and recover from surgery. He also discusses the recovery process and how long you can realistically expect it to take. 

When performed at the right time by an experienced surgeon, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that over 90% of knee replacement patients are happy with their results. 

Learn whether knee replacement surgery can help you! Contact the OasisMD office nearest you in San Diego, Temecula, or Encinitas, California office. You can also book a consultation online.