What is a knee replacement?

A knee replacement is an operation which involves replacing a knee that has been damaged or worn or is diseased with an artificial joint. It is a very common operation and is often due to arthritis of the knee.

Over 70,000 knee replacements are carried out every year in England and Wales and people needing a knee replacement are generally over 65.

There are 2 types of knee replacement:

Total knee replacement: the knee joint is replaced on two sides

Partial knee replacement: just one side of your knee joint is replaced

What causes a knee replacement?

There are several different reasons you may need a knee replacement and it is often due to wear and tear, damage or disease with the most common cause being osteoarthritis. Other knee replacement causes include:

  • Gout
  • Knee injury
  • Haemophilia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Knee replacements are classed as major surgery and therefore it is normally only an option once different avenues have been explored and they haven’t helped with the problem.

You may be offered a knee replacement if:

  • you have severe stiffness, swelling and pain in your knee joint causing decreased mobility
  • your knee pain interferes with sleep and quality of life
  • everyday tasks become too difficult for example getting out the bath or shopping
  • you cannot have a normal social life or work

What are the symptoms following a knee replacement?

Following surgery there are a few common symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness around the knee

Pain may be aggravated by weight bearing, straightening or twisting the knee, squatting or kneeling.

What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for a knee replacement?

It is very important that you receive adequate physiotherapy following a knee replacement in order to ensure that you make the best possible recovery and get the most out of your knee replacement.

Your physiotherapist will carry out a full assessment and provide you with a tailored treatment programme to allow you to get back to your best as quickly as possible.

Treatment can include:

  • Range of movement exercises
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Electrotherapy
  • Walking aid advice
  • Anti-inflammatory advice
  • Advice and education
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Biomechanical alteration
  • Graded return to activity

It is also important to do physiotherapy before your knee replacement to make sure that you are in the best condition possible prior to surgery in order to make a maximal recovery post-surgery.

Benefit of physiotherapy for a knee replacement?

Physiotherapy following a knee replacement makes sure you make the most of your new knee and recover as best as possible. Your benefits of physiotherapy will depend on your original symptoms and treatment goals.

Benefits of physiotherapy include:

  • Promotion of healing
  • Increased range of movement
  • Decreased stiffness
  • Decreased pain
  • Increased functional activity
  • Education

If you would like to book an assessment or enquire further, please call 01245 615 051 or e-mail: infofarrellphysiotherapy@gmail.com.