Knee pain is a common complaint. Whether it is due to an injury or a chronic condition, the right treatment can significantly improve quality of life. But how do you know whether to opt for knee surgery or try nonsurgical treatments first? This guide offers insights from a knee surgeon to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Knee Injuries and Conditions
Knee injuries can range from minor to severe. They involve trauma to one or more tissues that make up the knee joint. This includes cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bones, and muscles. Knee injuries can result from falls, high impact trauma, or forceful twisting of the knee. Athletes who engage in running or sports that involve jumping or quick pivoting are much more susceptible to knee injuries.
Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, also affect the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes wear-and-tear and is common in the knee joint. It often occurs in people ages 50 and older but can also occur in younger people. The condition causes the cartilage in the knee joint to wear down over time, causing chronic pain and stiffness.
Knee injuries and conditions can impact daily activities, limit your ability to stay active, and hinder sports performance. In a majority of cases, a knee injury requires immediate medical attention and may require surgery depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Common Knee Injuries Explained
Let us dive deeper into common knee injuries.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons – the thick cords that attach a muscle to a bone. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears occur in the cartilage of the knee, often during sports. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber. When it becomes damaged, it can result in pain, swelling, and a locking sensation in the knee.
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments, like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee, are the elastic bands of tissue connecting the bones together. They can become overstretched or torn, resulting in instability, swelling, and severe pain.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Knee Injuries
Before considering surgery, many opt for nonsurgical treatments. These can be effective for mild to moderate injuries and conditions.
RICE Protocol
The RICE protocol involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It’s a first-line treatment for reducing pain and swelling in acute injuries.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy aims to strengthen the muscles around the knee, restoring function, and improving stability and flexibility. A tailored exercise program can also help manage chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
Knee Braces and Supports
Braces provide additional support and stability, making them useful for both acute injuries and chronic conditions. They can relieve pain and prevent further injury. Discuss with your knee surgeon which type of support is best for your condition.
Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription medications may be beneficial to help relieve pain and swelling associated with a knee injury.
Surgical Knee Pain Treatments
When nonsurgical methods aren’t enough, surgery might be the next step. Here are two common surgical treatments:
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive surgery that utilizes small incisions, specialized surgical instruments, and a tiny camera known as an arthroscope to assess and repair damaged tissue or remove loose fragments. This procedure is often recommended for meniscus and articular cartilage tears and some ligament injuries.
Knee Replacement Surgery
For severe cases like advanced osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery might be considered. According to the Cleveland Clinic, knee replacements are one of the most common types of joint replacement surgery, with an estimated 850,000 procedures performed each year in the U.S.
The procedure involves replacing part or all of a damaged joint with an artificial implant. It is designed to move and function like a natural joint. Recent advancements have made this surgery much more effective and less invasive, leading to less pain and trauma to nearby tissue and a quicker recovery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery is crucial whether you choose surgical or nonsurgical treatments. Following your doctor’s rehabilitation program ensures proper healing and reduces the risk of further injury. This allows you to return to your activities more safely.
Post-Procedure Expectations
Understand the timeline for recovery. Surgical procedures like arthroscopy and minimally invasive knee replacement surgeries often have shorter recovery periods compared to traditional open surgery. Open surgery typically requires a much longer incision and causes more damage to surrounding tissue.
Importance of Rehabilitation Programs
Rehabilitation involves physical therapy and a gradual return to activities. This helps regain strength and mobility, ensuring long-term success. Your knee surgeon will be able to advise you on the recovery you can expect. This will depend on the severity of your injury and the type of procedure you have done.
Decision Making: Factors to Consider
Choosing between surgery and nonsurgical treatments involves several factors:
Severity of the Injury
Mild injuries might respond well to nonsurgical treatments, while severe injuries may require surgical intervention to ensure a successful return to previously enjoyed activities or sports.
Lifestyle and Activity Level
Your level of physical activity can influence the decision. Athletes might opt for surgery to return to their sport sooner.
Success Rates and Risks
For severe injuries and chronic osteoarthritis, surgery can relieve pain and make it possible to perform daily activities more easily than before. It is important to consider the success rates and potential risks of each treatment option. Discuss these with your doctor to make an informed choice.
How Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey Can Help
Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey (OAWJ) offers specialized orthopedic care for both adults and teens. Our highly experienced, board-certified, and fellowship-trained surgeons provide conservative and surgical treatments for a wide range of injuries and conditions affecting bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Comprehensive Services
We specialize in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and partial and total knee replacement surgeries. Our approach includes using digital X-rays, MRIs, and anatomic models to educate you about your condition and treatment options.
Personalized Care
Our doctors work closely with coaches and trainers to ensure a safe return to sports. We focus on your recovery, offering minimally invasive surgical techniques when appropriate.
Deciding between knee surgery and nonsurgical treatments is a significant choice. Understanding your options can help you make the best decision for your needs. For personalized advice, consider reaching out to Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey for comprehensive orthopedic care.
Knee Surgeon Near Me in Dover, NJ
If you are experiencing knee problems and are looking for a first-rate orthopedic clinic near you, visit Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey. Our knee surgeons and sports medicine doctors will assess your condition and advise you on the best treatment for your individual needs.
To learn more about our services or to make an appointment with an expert knee surgeon in Dover, NJ, call us at (973) 989-0888 or use our convenient form to request an appointment. Your knee health is vital, don’t leave it to chance. Seek expert guidance and take the first step toward a pain-free life today.
