Knee pain is common for many athletes and senior citizens. While the pain may be caused by strain for those who play sports, arthritis is usually the culprit for older people. Most knee replacements are the result of damage caused by arthritis, but a severe injury to the knee could result in a knee replacement as well.
Causes of Knee Replacement
Pain and instability in the knee are the main symptoms involved with an arthritic or injured knee. For those with arthritis, the cartilage between the femur and tibia may have worn away and the joint injured due to the bones grinding against one another. An orthopedic surgeon in Sacramento, CA can evaluate knee pain to find the cause and recommend treatment, including a knee replacement.
Even though most patients who have their knees replaced are 60 or older, young people who have been injured during sporting events may need their knees replaced as well. A hit in football or a wrong turn in sports such as tennis or basketball could cause tearing in knee ligaments, requiring an orthopedic surgeon to do surgery and, in severe cases, replace the knee.
Symptoms Suggesting Replacement
If you suffer from knee pain, there are some signs which suggest it may be time to consider a knee replacement, including:
• Persistent knee pain.
• Stiffness of the knee that interferes with daily activities.
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to immobility or pain.
• A “grinding” feeling in the knee joint.
• A severe injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
An orthopedic surgeon will take x-rays or order a MRI of the knee and evaluate its condition to suggest the best treatment, including doing a knee replacement if you have any of these symptoms. If you are in the Sacramento area, visit Dr. Scott Fujii M.D. to have your knee evaluated.
