How Young is Too Young for Knee Replacements in Louisiana?

Knee Replacement

Total knee replacements in Louisiana have typically been used to treat severe arthritis in elderly patients. However, concerns arise when a patient in their 40s or 50s is suffering from severe knee arthritis that is not eased with simpler, non-surgical treatment options.

But where does this leave younger adults who’ve already reached their breaking point? Where do the increasing numbers of men and women under the age of the majority fit into the picture?

How Young is Too Young for Knee Replacements in Louisiana?

No one can definitively answer this question, but what we do know is that the benefits of performing total knee replacement surgery in younger patients can definitely outweigh the risks of the surgery.

The primary benefits are quality of life, pain reduction and maintaining proper fitness. By accomplishing these goals, patients may also reduce the risk of developing other problems associated with poor fitness, such as cardiovascular disease.

The primary risk of performing total knee replacement surgery in younger patients is the concern of the implant wearing out. Developments in manufacturing have sought to reduce the magnitude of this problem, but it is a concern.

Furthermore, the amount of wear to a knee joint replacement does appear to be related to the amount of activity. Therefore, young patients with joint replacements in Louisiana should be cautious, and perform only suggested activities.

The Knee Society recommends specific activities for patients with total knee replacement, these include:

• Cycling
• Calisthenics
• Swimming
• Low-resistance rowing
• Skiing machines
• Walking & Hiking
• Low-resistance weightlifting

Activities that The Knee Society specifically recommends to be avoided are:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Hockey
Soccer Cleats
• High-impact aerobics
• Gymnastics
• Jogging
• Power lifting

These lists are meant to give patients an idea of what to expect if they undergo knee replacement surgery. Before you begin a new exercise program, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor.

Risks of Knee Replacements in Louisiana

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks related to having knee replacement surgery. As mentioned, the primary concern in the younger, more active population is early wearing out of the knee replacement implants. However, there are also other risks of knee replacement that people considering the procedure should be aware of. Among these other concerns are infection, stiffness, and blood clot.

It’s a fact—people getting knee replacements just keep getting younger and younger. The number of knee-replacement operations in people ages 45 to 64 has nearly doubled in less than 10 years. If arthritis is hurting your knees, no matter your age, the thought of knee replacement has almost certainly crossed your mind.
Once reserved for elderly patients, total knee replacement surgery is becoming more common in the younger, more active population. If you are at a younger age and wonder if knee replacement in Louisiana is right for you – don’t hesitate – call our office today to schedule a consultation and let’s get you on the path to a pain free life!

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