Among the enjoyment of living is good health. Once someone is robbed from his or her health, not even wealth can regain it again immediately, even though treatment is possible. Hence, it is important for everyone to be aware of common health issues like osteoarthritis that largely affect many people in the age range between 55 and 75 years old. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, it is common for them to undergo a treatment procedure called knee cap replacement.
Which Conditions Require a Knee Cap Replacement?
The most common cause for knee cap replacement is osteoarthritis. When the cartilage in knee joint is worn or torn due to old age, it starts to cause pain during bodily movement. For years, we depend on the stability of our knee joints to move freely, so it can be a real discomfort and major life-changing factor once this condition worsens. Therefore, most people are willing to undergo knee cap replacement procedures, to regain their lifestyle and reduce the constant pain that haunts them day to day.
Sometimes, it is not old age alone that forces someone to undergo a knee cap replacement procedure. Knee pains can also happen to children or adolescents for many reasons. Children are prone to accident when they are involved in active play or take part in various childhood activities. Their knee cap can get injured and requires further complex treatment.
Athletes and those participating in vigorous recreation activities are known to be a high risk group to getting knee injury and thus, knee cap replacement surgery. Footballers, hockey players, rugby players and basketball players are all within this group. Movements that require sudden body rotation like in basketball arena can produce this type of injury. So, when taking part in these kinds of sports and activities, extra precautions must be put in place to avoid it.
Alternatives to Knee Cap Replacement
If you knee pain is still in the onset and you are looking for ways to alleviate the pain, you can consider some of the recommendations below.
Try to reduce your weight by eating healthy and exercising. Weight loss and exercise is known to have reduced symptoms of knee pain. You can also ask your doctor about physical therapy so he can recommend a good one for you. Working with a physical therapist, he or she will show how to strengthen the knee-related muscles and tissues or suggest to you other methods including electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy.
In terms of medical treatment, people can also choose knee injection instead of knee cap replacement. However, it largely depends on the diagnosis made by your healthcare professionals because not all conditions are suitable for this type of treatment.
Knee injection involves the administration of hyaluronic acid by injection into the knee joint. It improves absorption and lubricates the joints, hence reducing pain and increase mobility. Another type of injection that a doctor may recommend is cortisone injection, which contain steroid. However, this is not a long-term treatment and it must be repeated.
To conclude, the best course of action is to discuss your conditions and symptoms with the healthcare providers. They can make proper diagnosis and evaluate your pain to plan further treatment.
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