Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : April 30, 2015 12:14 PM IST
Knee replacement can help to deal with Parkinson's disease. © Shutterstock
A recent study published in the Arthritis and RheumatologyJournal pointed out that a third of knee replacements done in the US were unnecessary. The scenario in India is no different according to Dr Pradeep Moonot, orthopaedic surgeon specialising in knee, foot and ankle surgery. His biggest concern is that younger people in their 30s and 40s are opting for a total knee replacement surgery to avoid persistent knee pain. Here are seven tips to help relieve knee pain naturally.
In 2014, around 70,000 people underwent total knee replacement surgery in India as compared to 6,000 people who underwent a hip replacement. Though both knee and hip joints are the most used and abused joints of the body, the increasing number of knee replacement surgeries indicate how common this surgery has become according to Dr. Moonot. Are you contemplating a total knee replacement? Read about some of the most frequently asked questions.
Why do people opt for total knee replacement?
'The problem is surgeons these days offer an option for a total knee replacement surgery that isn't always a necessity. Lack of awareness often makes one fall prey to a surgeon's suggestion. Also, knee pain is so unbearable that any option given to combat pain seems viable,' says Dr Moonot.
Our lifestyle and daily habits make our knees vulnerable. Here is how he thinks regular activities take a toll on our knees with age:
| Activity | Pressure created on the knees |
| Walking | Half the weight of your body |
| Climbing up stairs | Three times the weight of your body |
| Climbing down stairs | Five times the weight of your body |
| Running | 20 times the weight of your body |
Also kneeling, squatting and sitting cross-legged leads to excessive wear and tear of our knees.
While a total knee replacement can be of immense help for someone suffering from chronic problems like arthritis, there are times when one should refrain from going under the knife.
Dr Moonot suggests avoiding a total knee replacement in the following cases.
1. When painkillers work
Many people have a low pain threshold and opt for a total knee replacement when pain becomes persistent. However, the first line of treatment is to take oral medication or painkillers. Although, some people think it could damage the kidneys or the liver. The side effects of painkillers weigh less as compared to the consequences of an unnecessary surgery. Here are six side effects of painkillers.
2. When the pain is not chronic
Some amount of discomfort and pain in the knee is normal with age. You may find it difficult to sit cross-legged, walk for more than 2 km at a stretch or have problems with squatting and running. These problems can be taken care of with medication and lifestyle changes. Remember, going for the surgery with minimal symptoms will not lessen the symptoms. You may also like to read about the 10 causes of constant body ache you should not ignore.
3. When you have cushion symptoms
Sometimes there could be an excruciating pain in the knee when the leg is hit or twisted due to an untoward accident. Pain due to such triggers is called cushion symptoms. After an initial treatment, there could be a dull ache or persistent pain. In such cases, it is important to treat the cause rather than going for a replacement. If the cause is a cartilage tear or a simple bone deformity, check whether an arthroscopy or other minimally invasive procedures can work. Try to avoid a replacement.
4. When the source of pain is not obvious
There are times when the cause of the pain can be a problem associated with the hip or the spine. It is necessary to examine the source of the pain before opting for a replacement. Ideally, one should be given a local anaesthetic on the knee and if there is pain in any other part of the body then, it isn't a case of total knee replacement.
Obtain an accurate analysis of the pain and take a second opinion before risking your joints to a surgery. Here is how you should rehabilitate your knee after a total knee replacement.
Image source: Getty Images
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