If you suffer advanced osteoarthritis your knee surgeon may recommend either a partial or total knee replacement. Firstly they will normally explore all of the non- surgical options, such as:
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Muscle strengthening around the joint
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Support through braces, this should improve knee alignment, thereby reducing pressure and pain at the joint. Bracing will also provide some additional stability to the knee and prevent the knee from giving out during activity.
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Pain relief through medication, injections and heat as well as less invasive surgery.
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Weight loss, if appropriate, will also serve to reduce stress on the knee.
Knee surgery should only be considered if your knee is significantly affecting the quality of your life, causing you a great deal of pain and interfering with your day to day activities.
Your consultant will discuss your medical history, measure the range of movement within the knee as well as observing you performing various movements such as sitting, walking and bending. X-rays will be taken to view the extent of the damage and provide evidence for the best course of action, which will be discussed with you and decided by your consultant.
If the arthritis is only affecting one compartment of your knee, your consultant may decide on a partial knee replacement rather than a complete knee replacement.