Chronic knee pain is a common affliction that can make day-to-day life more of a chore than a pleasure. If you want to put an end to your knee pain and return to a normal, active lifestyle, look to the sports medicine specialists at North Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic in Durham. We take a patient-focused approach to treatment, which means our fellowship-trained surgeons will always explore conservative treatment options before recommending a knee replacement operation or another surgical treatment.
Causes of Chronic Knee Pain
In many cases, knee pain is the result of inflammation in the knee joint caused by the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the joint and allows bones to glide smoothly across one another. When this cartilage is worn away through age-related wear and tear, osteoarthritis can develop in the joint. Other forms of arthritis that can affect the knee include rheumatoid arthritis, a progressive autoimmune disease, and post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop after an injury damages the joint.
What Does a Knee Replacement Operation Entail?
In a total knee replacement procedure, the damaged areas of the femur and tibia are replaced with metal implants, and a spacer is inserted to allow for smooth operation of the joint. Once recovered from the procedure, individuals are usually able to resume an active lifestyle.
If you are interested in having a consultation with our specialists to find out if a knee replacement operation is a viable option for you, contact North Carolina Orthopaedic Clinic in Durham today.