Dealing with ongoing knee pain is a terrible and exhausting experience. While there are several causes of knee pain and many non-surgical treatments, there comes a time when many people have to consider knee surgery as a last resort.
Here are six signs it might be time to consider a surgical solution to your knee pain.
You Have an Underlying Condition
According to orthopaedic specialists in knee surgery in Knoxville, TN, an underlying condition is one of the primary reasons to consider a surgical solution. People with a traumatic injury, osteoporosis, or arthritis might consider this solution to improve their quality of life.
However, having one of these conditions doesn’t mean you should skip ahead of other treatment options and try surgery right away. Talk to your specialist about the options and the best path forward for your unique situation.
Non-surgical Treatments Aren’t Working
If you’ve gone through the rigamarole of non-surgical treatments and still experience severe knee pain, it might be time to consult with a knee pain doctor Singapore to explore surgical solutions.
Non-surgical treatments include services like physiotherapy or implement like a wrap or brace. If these approaches aren’t working or stop working, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
You Notice Changes
If you notice sudden changes or differences in your knee, call your doctor right away. Some signs to watch for include the following:
- new (different) pain
- increased pain
- swelling
- redness
- heat or tenderness when touching the area around the knee
- discolouration below the knee
- fever or vomiting in addition to the above
When in doubt, it’s better to call and talk to your doctor than to try and tough it out.
Your Quality of Life Is Greatly Impacted
If your knee issues are dramatically impeding your ability to engage in daily activities, it’s time to explore new options. Many people make the mistake of taking the stoic approach, only reaching out for support if the pain is impacting their work. However, it’s also important to seek additional help if your pain is impacting your social life, hobbies, and physical activities.
You Rely on Prescription Pain Killers
There’s no shame in taking prescription medication to help manage your pain as you seek other forms of treatment. However, it becomes a concern when the current dosage no longer helps, or you find yourself relying on them more and more.
Beyond concerns about developing a dependency on pain medication, there are also associated costs to consider. While surgery could have significant upfront costs, it could be a more economical option in the long run. It’s also worth exploring insurance options or health savings accounts (HSA) to help with the costs.
Your Doctor Recommends It
Finally, if your doctor recommends surgery, know they don’t do so lightly. Understand that approaching your doctor to ask about surgery or having them recommend it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be eligible or scheduled right away.
Write a list of questions you have for your health team when preparing for your consultation appointment. This will help you stay on track and make an informed decision about the surgery.