When it comes to the possibility of having to have your knee or knees replaced, there are myths that have been told by friends, family, and neighbors when it comes to knee replacement surgery. Though many of the same people who spread these myths may have good intentions, they just to not hold up in modern medicine today. There are many myths that have been carried over through the years however, I will cover the three I hear the most in my day-to-day activities in physical therapy.
- The Knee Replacement Will Not Feel Natural. In the initial days after your surgery this may be the case however, in time as swelling is reduced, you are getting stronger and you are progressing with physical rehabilitation as a whole, you begin to feel as though the knee is more natural. Helping to give your new knee a more natural feeling is also affected by the superior surgical techniques and materials that are used today.
- I am Too Young To Have Knee Surgery. Years ago patients that were in pain were advised to hold off on getting a knee replacement until they literally were in a wheelchair due to pain and the inability to walk. Today the age that someone having a knee replaced is younger than it once was. The need for a replacement has more to due with your level of pain than your age. I can assure you the older you are and the longer you postpone the knee replacement, the harder it is to rehabilitate. Many of those that have a knee replaced in their 50s and 60s indicate they should have had the surgery sooner.
- You Should Wait As Long As Possible To Have The Surgery. Waiting until the very end to have your knee replaced is not a good idea. Living in the type of chronic pain with a knee that is bone on bone will also end up breaking down other areas of your body. For instance the lack of sleep at night due to a high level of knee pain can lead to insomnia and possibly depression. Waiting to the very end also can lead to back and, other joint pain due to the change in your walking mechanics. The high level of pain that you have to endure waiting to the very end before knee replacement surgery lowers your overall quality of life and, deconditions your entire body.
Having to have a knee replaced is of course a decision that takes some thought and planning. However, once you have the replacement you are able to live both pain-free and have a higher quality of life. Check with your orthopedic surgeon regarding any concerns you may have that will help you dispel some of the myths prevalent today.
