Am I too young to get a knee replacement?
There is no set age cutoff for a knee replacement, as each patient’s case is different. But most implants do wear out over time, and the implant lifespan can decline with increased activity. Therefore, surgeons generally perform knee replacements on patients over 50. Active young people are usually encouraged to try conservative methods instead of surgery.
Would a surgeon perform knee surgery on someone under 50 years?
While knee surgery is not generally recommended in patients under 50 years, knee replacement surgery is becoming more common in active, younger patients. Young patients who qualify for knee surgery commonly have tried all other treatments with no results or have severe arthritis that has not responded to conservative treatment. In these rare cases, a knee replacement would provide pain relief and would allow the patient to maintain physical and mental health.
How old are most people when they get a knee replacement?
Most patients are about 65 years when they get a knee replacement.
What should you avoid after a knee replacement?
Active people under 50 (or over!) may be disappointed that the following activities are not recommended after knee replacement surgery. High-impact sports including hockey, football, soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, running, basketball, and baseball should all be avoided after a knee replacement.
What activities can you do after a knee replacement?
There are some exercises that are generally safe after a knee replacement. Cycling, walking, hiking, and swimming are all acceptable exercises (in moderation) after a knee replacement.
Do I need a knee replacement or are there conservative options?
There are conservative options, such as physical therapy, injections, and medications, which most patients are encouraged to try first. If physical therapy, injection, or medication does not work for your knee arthritis, pain, or alignment, you may need a knee replacement. You can go to the ORTHOKnox orthopedic clinics in Knoxville, Tennessee, or Athens, Tennessee, to discuss your options for a knee replacement. At ORTHOKnox, your doctor may recommend MAKOplasty®, where your surgeon will use a robotic arm to precisely perform knee replacement surgery.
What is involved in a knee replacement and recovery?
The Knoxville and Athens orthopedic clinics can perform your total knee replacement using a less invasive and highly precise procedure called MAKOplasty®. ORTHOKnox also has a skilled team of on-site physical therapists to support you along the way.
Your physical therapist will design a personalized care plan for you before and after your surgery. Before surgery, they will teach you strength and flexibility exercises and show you how to use a walker. After surgery, your physical therapist will teach you exercises that will help you to walk, climb stairs, and return to your daily activities after your knee replacement. See our blog here for more detail on physical therapy and the timeline for total knee replacement recovery!
Knee Replacement Surgeons in Knoxville, and Athens, TN
With its on-site physical therapists, board-certified surgeon, and Urgent Orthopaedic Care that is available without an appointment, ORTHOKnox has got you covered. For more information about how ORTHOKnox can treat your knee replacement, call (865) 251-3030, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to hearing from you!
