Thinking About Knee Surgery? What to Know First

By Your Health Magazine Contributor

Your Health Magazine Contributor

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Thinking About Knee Surgery? What to Know First

Knee pain can make walking, climbing the stairs, exercising and standing for extended periods more challenging. If symptoms are chronic, it’s possible that some will start to ask themselves if surgery is the next step. However, in many cases, surgery is not the initial course of treatment. 

The treatment will depend on the cause of the pain, the level of pain, the duration of the pain and the impact of the pain on the person’s life. If you know your options prior to undergoing a surgical procedure, you will be able to take part in a more informed discussion with your health care provider.

Common Causes of Knee Pain That May Lead to a Surgical Consultation

There are a number of reasons why you might develop knee pain. One of the more common causes is osteoarthritis—particularly in older adults, as the cartilage that protects the joint may become damaged. Meniscus injuries can be caused by twisting movements or by the process of degeneration, while injuries to the ligaments, for example, ACL or MCL tears, can be caused by sports or sudden trauma. Overuse also can cause irritation of tendons and other soft tissues around the joint.

These conditions can give similar symptoms, so it is important that they are properly evaluated before treatment is considered. Clinicians may be able to identify the cause from the pattern of symptoms, imaging, physical examination and medical history.

Conservative Treatments Doctors Often Recommend Before Surgery

Many patients are encouraged to pursue conservative treatment prior to having an operation. The modification of the activity may help to decrease the repetitive action of the joint which causes the irritation and enable a slow return to normal activity. Physical therapy may increase the strength of muscles around the knee, increase mobility and decrease the stress on the affected tissues.

For some, bracing can be helpful as a way to support the joint or to help spread the pressure. Weight management is also of importance when appropriate, as excess weight on the knee may decrease comfort/range of motion. Most of these methods are not used alone but in conjunction with one another.

Injection-Based and Other Options Before Surgery

Those who still have symptoms may enquire about treatments that involve injections. Corticosteroid injections are often used to help decrease inflammation and can help relieve pain for some patients temporarily. Hyaluronic acid shots are used to lubricate joints (may not work for everyone). The use of components from a patient’s own blood (PRP) is also a topic of investigation for certain musculoskeletal conditions and outcomes vary with the condition being treated and the individual patient.

When seeking knee pain treatment without surgery, make sure the service provider outlines all the options for you, detailing the risks, benefits, limitations, and situations where surgery may still be a better treatment. Treatment for each knee problem isn’t the same, so it’s still important to have a medical evaluation.

Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to Knee Surgery

Patients must know exactly what they are being informed of prior to surgery, as well as the surgery that is being recommended, recovery time, potential complications, and expectations for pain and mobility after the surgery. It may also be beneficial to ask if there are other conservative options and what might occur if surgery is postponed.

Second opinions may be considered for elective procedures, and when the diagnosis or prognosis is uncertain.

When Surgery May Be the Right Decision

Surgery might be more appropriate if there is significant damage to the knee, if symptoms are interfering with everyday activities, the knee is unstable, or other non-surgical treatment has not been sufficiently helpful. Some traumatic injuries may also need surgery to repair.

Rather than pain, the decision should be made based on the underlying condition. Under the guidance of a qualified orthopedic professional, it may be possible to decide if surgery or continued conservative treatment will be the most sensible option.