Knee arthritis is a major cause of disability in the UK. It can affect both your personal and professional life. There are some extremely successful treatments available yet so many people still suffer. Although surgery is often the answer for advanced knee arthritis there are several simple treatments that should also be considered.
I undertake all of the major recognised treatments for knee arthritis including joint preservation and knee replacement surgery. I only use absolute premium implants with the best track record. However, I’m more than happy to discuss all of the options available to you.
How common is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and the most prevalent joint disorder. It is the most prevalent cause of disability in the UK. Over 10 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis. The prevalence of osteoarthritis is likely to increase substantially in the next 20 years.
One million people visit their GP due to osteoarthritis pain every year in the UK. 62,000 total knee replacements which are performed annually in England and Wales are due to osteoarthritis. Up to 10% of the population will have severe enough arthritis to undergo knee replacement at some point in life. 30.8 million workdays are lost every year in the UK due to arthritis.
How does arthritis affect you?
Nobody likes being in pain, it can affect your mood, mental health, work and family life. Until it is quite severe it can be invisible to others. Arthritis can have a major effect on financial stability and 1 in 4 people with arthritis retire early from work due to pain and disability.
Do I need knee replacement surgery?
Although you cannot reverse arthritis there are many treatments that are extremely effective and can help manage the condition. These range from minimally invasive treatments to joint replacement surgeries. These include:
- Painkillers
- Alternative therapies
- Physiotherapy
- Weight loss
- Joint injections
- Cartilage preservation procedures
- Osteotomies
- Partial knee replacements
- Full knee replacements
What is partial knee replacement?
The knee has three main compartments including the medial (inner), lateral (outer) and anterior (front).
A partial knee replacement replaces just one of these three compartments. A total knee replacement (despite its name) does not necessarily replace the whole knee. It replaces the inner and outer compartment and if necessary can also replace the front compartment (the kneecap). Both have their pros and cons. A partial knee replacement feels more normal than a total knee replacement but if the rest of the knee (the compartments that were not replaced) develop arthritis then further surgery might be required.
I only use market leading partial knee replacements.
Will I need physiotherapy?
Yes—remember that the surgery only replaces bone and cartilage. The muscles will need to be rehabilitated once the surgery is complete and the final outcome will depend on the frequency of exercises.
Increasingly we are seeing that better outcomes are enjoyed by those who work at the knee after surgery. The myrecovery app, physiotherapists and your personal support network are all important resources that we draw on.
62,000 people in the UK undergo knee replacement surgery every year
10%
of people in the UK will have at least one knee replacement during their lifetime
25%
of people in the UK who suffer from knee arthritis will retire early due to knee arthritis pain
70%
of people in the UK who have a total knee replacement are satisfied with the outcome
95%
of people in the UK who have a partial knee replacement are satisfied with the outcome
Keeping active
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle has many benefits, including the health of your bones and joints. Knee pain can often prevent you from exercising and further consequences can impact your general health. It is vitally important to reduce knee pain so that you exercise regularly. Active rehabilitation is an essential ingredient in the recipe for treating joint pain.
“Rehab has gone really well… many thanks for your ongoing support and care.”
Torben (left), Ex-serviceman
