Knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, with 719,000 performed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When knee pain interferes with your everyday activities, it may be time to consider surgical intervention. Your Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon can help you determine whether a knee replacement is right for you. (more…)
Knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, with 719,000 performed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When knee pain interferes with your everyday activities, it may be time to consider surgical intervention. Your Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon can help you determine whether a knee replacement is right for you.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries
There are two main options for knee replacement: total and partial. In a total knee replacement, your orthopedic surgeon will replace the surfaces of the end of the femur (thigh bone) as well as the top of the tibia (shin bone). This completes an entirely new knee joint that reduces friction and pain associated with movement. The majority of knee surgeries performed in the United States are total knee replacements.
A partial knee replacement involves just one part of the knee. Often, this is the inner side of the knee, although the outer side or kneecap may be affected. In a partial knee replacement, your orthopedic specialist makes a smaller incision using minimally invasive procedures. This often results in a shorter recovery time.
Signs That You May Need a Knee Replacement
Knee pain is a common complaint of aging. However, severe pain may be a sign that you need a knee replacement. Some of the most common signs that you need a knee replacement include:
- Decreased mobility or difficulty moving around
- Pain that persists or recurs over time
- Aching pain in your knees, particularly during or after exercise
- Feelings of knee stiffness after sitting for a long period of time, such as in a car or movie theater
- Knee pain that interrupts your sleep
- Knee aching or pain during rainy weather
- Difficulty bending the knee fully or noticing a decreased range of motion in the joint
- Stiff or swollen knees
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Difficulty getting into and out of bathtubs or chairs
- Knee stiffness in the morning that typically lasts less than 30 minutes
- A “grating” or “grinding” feeling in the knee joint
Some of these symptoms may be managed through the use of a cane, medications or non-pharmacological approaches to pain management. However, if the use of medications or a cane does not alleviate symptoms, it may be time to get a knee replacement.
Getting a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
To see if you need a knee replacement, contact our Jacksonville orthopedic surgeons at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. Following a comprehensive evaluation, your surgeon can help you decide if knee replacement is appropriate for you.
Stretches to Do at Your Desk for Back Pain
The United States seems to have a collective back ache. More than 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. Serious back pain can be extraordinarily debilitating, affecting your ability to walk, sleep comfortably and drive. If you experience back pain, visit the Jacksonville orthopedics specialists at Southeast Ortho to get a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Modifications to your everyday life, including performing stretches at your desk, can be an effective way to alleviate back pain. (more…)
Wrist Sprain vs. Broken Wrist
We use our hands for so much throughout the day that wrist pain can be very debilitating. The most common cause of wrist injuries is falling onto an outstretched hand. This may cause the wrist ligaments or bones to become damaged. Some wrist injuries are classified as wrist sprains while others are considered a broken wrist. Understanding the difference will help you get the correct treatment from your Jacksonville orthopedic specialist. Contact our hand and wrist specialists to take advantage of their specialized knowledge and training in this area. (more…)
The Difference Between Being Sore or Injured
After a particularly intense workout, it is common to feel some muscle pain the next day. What can be more challenging is distinguishing between soreness and an injury. Self-diagnosing workout-related aches and pains can be challenging. Visiting orthopedic surgeons can help you get an answer regarding the source of your muscle pain. (more…)
Tips for Exercising in Cold Weather
When it’s cold outside, exercising outdoors may seem like a last-resort choice. With the proper equipment and attitude, however, outdoor exercise in the wintertime can be a fun option. One of the best parts about exercising in the cold is that you often get streets, sidewalks and trails to yourself! Although slippery surfaces may make safety a concern, our orthopedic surgeons recommend taking the following precautions for winter exercise. (more…)
Difference Between Straps, Braces, and Tape
If you’ve got a sore, achy knee, you may think a brace, strap or athletic tape will alleviate the pain while you run or participate in your favorite athletic activity.
Depending on your diagnosis, these supportive devices can sometimes help. So what are the options available to you? Read on to learn more about the variety of braces, straps, and tape on the market today. (more…)
How to Help Kids Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery
Surgery — even minor procedures — can be traumatic for children. Children can easily become frightened and overwhelmed when they need the services of an orthopedic specialist. As a parent, you can take steps to lessen your child’s anxiety before surgery. Here are some things that can help. (more…)
5 Jobs That Ruin Your Feet
If you work a job that requires you to stand on your feet all day, you’re probably quite familiar with tired, sore and swollen feet. Other than foot pain, standing for long periods of time can increase your risk serious health problems like back pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, varicose veins, poor circulation and osteoarthritis in your lower extremities that could require the services of a foot or ankle surgeon.
And while any job that requires prolonged standing is bad for your feet, some are worse than others. Here’s a look at five of the worst and steps you can take to prevent problems. (more…)
Common Overuse Injuries
Athletes put their bodies to the test day after day, and sometimes the result isn’t too comfortable. Whether you are a dedicated athlete participating in high-level events, or you are someone who is doing their best to stay in shape and keep active, the bottom line is that injuries can happen to you.
While you might believe that it is the elite athlete who is putting in hours day and night to reach the height of their strength and ability, the average person is actually at the highest risk for experiencing an overuse injury. The reason for this partially comes down to preparation, but also technique during exercise. (more…)
Are Kids’ “Growing Pains” Real?
Many parents report that their kids wake them in the middle of the night complaining of limb pain. The idea behind these “growing pains” makes sense: as the theory goes, the process of bone elongation can trigger aches and pains in young children who are growing rapidly. According to our orthopedic doctors at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, however, the scientific research does not support the idea that kids’ “growing pains” are truly due to body growth. (more…)
