Do you experience knee pain when climbing stairs, sitting down or standing up, or simply bending or straightening your leg?
Knee pain can prevent you from relaxing, sleeping, and can limit activities you enjoy, such as swimming, driving, gardening, or playing golf. If you’ve experienced any combination of these symptoms or others, and medications aren’t delivering enough relief, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery.
Let’s begin with the anatomy of the knee to better understand how the knee works.
The knee joint anatomy is comprised of three bones: the femur, the tibia, and the patella, the ends of which are covered by a smooth surface, the cartilage, which allows for smooth, friction-free movement.
The meniscus is a layer of cartilage that cushions the knee joint and transfers forces between the tibia and femur.
Knee ligaments are powerful bands that connect the bones and keep everything properly positioned and stable.
The main cause of knee diseases, and consequently knee pain, is knee cartilage wear, known as arthritis.
There are many types of arthritis. However, the following are among the most common.
• Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. This occurs when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of bones deteriorates with use and age.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic form of inflammatory arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any joint in your body, including your knees.
In the case of advanced knee diseases, and if recommended treatments do not work, your doctor may suggest that you undergo a knee replacement surgery.
