Twinges in Your Hinges
Arthritis knee pain is energy intensive … the pain drains you and limits your ability to walk, work or perform even simple activities. It effects your back, your ankles and your cardiovascular system.
When conservative treatment such as anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, physical therapy, or even the new breakthrough treatment, hyaluronate injections, is no longer effective, knee replacement is a very positive option. Excellent results in terms of pain relief and restored movement can be expected in well over 95% of people.
The knee replacement program designed by doctors at The Florida Knee and Orthopedic Centers is considered an international center of excellence. It is this unique program and the surgeons’ vast experience (over 500 cases a year) that produces such excellent results for patients.
Myths and Realities About Knee Replacement
Too Old?
Knee replacement, as well as hip and shoulder replacement, is safe and successful at any age. Each year the Center’s surgeons give new knees, hips and shoulders to scores of patients who are well into their 80s and 90s. With modern anesthesia, infection fighters, and the skill of experienced joint surgery specialists, you don’t “have to live with the pain.”
Too Young?
Today’s super-metals make artificial joints last longer than ever before. When performed by highly-experienced surgeons, knee replacement can be expected to last 20 years. When the first knee replacement wears out, another new one can be put in. It’s much like re-treading a tire or recapping a tooth.
Too Overweight?
For people with knee arthritis, it’s almost impossible to lose weight when even simple walking is too painful. In fact, it’s much easier to exercise and lose weight when knees are pain-free after knee replacement.
Too Long To Recover?
Healing and recovery after knee replacement is generally complete in 12 weeks.
Progress Chart
| Activity |
Single Knee |
Hip |
Shoulder |
| Days in Hospital |
3-5 |
4-6 |
2-3 |
| Weeks with Walker |
3 |
4 |
None |
| Weeks with Cane |
None |
2 |
None |
| Weeks to Drive |
2-3 |
2-3 |
2-3 |
| Weeks to Dance |
6-8 |
6-8 |
6-8 |
| Weeks to Golf, Bowl, Bike, Walk, Garden, etc. |
10-12 |
10-12 |
10-12 |
These are general guidelines and represent average experiences for people who are patients of The Florida Knee and Orthopedic Centers. Keep in mind that healing and recovery times will vary with each person. After joint replacement singles tennis, jogging and heavy weight lifting are not generally recommended activities.
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