Your knee cartilage can get damaged due to
sports injuries, arthritis, and other medical conditions. Damaged
cartilage, however, cannot be repaired. The only viable solution to
damaged cartilage is knee cartilage replacement surgery.
A torn
or damaged cartilage results in extreme pain in your knees, especially
when you are performing squats or any twisting motions. This pain and
swelling get worse over time if it is left untreated.
The biggest
advantage of having your cartilage replaced is better and smoother
mobility. There is a good chance the patient will live a normal life
with greater mobility after cartilage regeneration and replacement
surgery. Not only does the procedure stop cartilage degeneration, but it
prevents joint pain and restores your mobility.
When Do You Need Knee Cartilage Replacement Surgery?
The
cartilage offers support to your bones and provides a smooth surface to
your joints. However, your knee cartilage is prone to damages due to
overuse and injuries caused by sports and other exhausting activities.
The damaged knee cartilage can induce joint pain, which may further
result in swelling and redness around the affected area. The worn
cartilage affects your mobility and makes it harder for you to function
normally.
It is important to note that knee cartilage replacement
is for patients with a single injury. For older patients with multiple
lesions in the cartilage, this surgery might not work. If your knee is
damaged to a point that you are struggling with walking, sitting, and
any movement, you may need a total knee replacement surgery.
Cartilage
replacement can be performed on shoulders, ankles, and other joints,
but knee cartilage replacement is the most common surgery. If you notice
inflammation, redness, and pain around your knee, contact a knee replacement doctor in Thane, Mumbai to get your issue diagnosed. They will recommend a treatment based on your test findings.
How Long is the Recovery From Knee Cartilage Replacement?
The
recovery period can range from 8 weeks to 12 weeks, depending on how
soon you heal and who performs the surgery. You should consult a knee specialist doctor in Mulund
for surgical removal of your damaged cartilage. It’s normal to feel
exhausted more than usual for the first few weeks following the surgery,
so avoid any exercises or heavy lifting during this time. You will be
back to your normal routine within 3-4 months of your surgery.
You
can speed up your recovery by practicing a few effective exercises.
However, talk to your doctor before performing any exercise. Straining
exercises or heavy lifting should be avoided completely until you
recover fully. Some physical exercises that can help you recover faster
after the surgery are:
- Straight leg raises
- Wall squats
- Step-ups
- Hamstring curls
- Quad squeezes
In
addition to regular exercises, your diet and lifestyle play a pivotal
part in easing your recovery phase. A few foods doctors recommend after
knee or cartilage replacement surgery are oranges, brown rice, green
tea, nuts, pomegranates, Brussel Sprouts, and legumes.