Medically Reviewed by Alex Kroft, PA-C
Knee replacement surgery is one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century. Today, in the United States approximately 400,000 knee replacements are performed each year, and by 2030 the number of knee replacements will likely increase to 3 million.
The Total Joint Replacement Surgeons at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic work closely with patients to utilize all non-operative treatments prior to discussing knee replacement surgery. If the conservative treatment options no longer give the patient relief, total or partial knee replacement surgery will be discussed to decide if the patient would be a good candidate.
If Total Knee Replacement Surgery is something recommended and that you are considering, you might have some questions about the procedure and what to expect. Here are the 3 most common questions asked about Total Knee Replacement Surgery.
Is Total Knee Replacement a major surgery?
In a knee replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged joint surface and substitutes it with a metal and plastic implant. A total knee replacement is a major surgery, therefore having it or not having it is a big decision to make. It’s very important to have an experienced surgeon whom you can trust.
Is a Total Knee Replacement painful?
A total knee replacement can be painful because it involves major surgery in which damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with metal and plastic components. This process causes trauma to the surrounding tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Postoperative pain is a natural response to this tissue injury and the body’s healing process. Additionally, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in the joint contribute to discomfort, especially in the early weeks after surgery. The rehabilitation process, which includes physical therapy and exercises to restore movement and strength, can also be painful as the knee adjusts to the new implant. While the pain is usually temporary and manageable with medication and therapy, it is a common and expected part of recovery.
What can I expect after knee replacement surgery?
You can expect to be able to move the same day as surgery or within a day after surgery. Although, for some time you may need to use crutches, a walker, or a cane.
Typically, you can look forward to a big improvement in flexibility and much less pain within a month. It’s important to exercise your knee regularly to reduce swelling and to strengthen your muscles.
With help from a physical therapist , you will go through a series of exercises to strengthen your repaired knee. In terms of how long you’ll need physical therapy depends on your health and how motivated you are to recover from your surgery.
Knee replacement in Raleigh
The Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic board certified, fellowship trained total joint replacement surgeons bring together many years of experience to manage and treat joint complications resulting from degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis, musculoskeletal disease, or joint trauma.
Conditions commonly treated by our knee doctors include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteonecrosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fractures and post-traumatic arthritis
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.