By Dr. Kramer Recovering from total knee replacement surgery can be a painful, grueling experience. The good news is many patients experience a new lease on life after knee replacement that allows them to enjoy golf, running, dancing, and many other activities that were painful to experience before the surgery. The recovery period can be several weeks long and of course, every patient’s situation is unique. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to make your post-total knee replacement recovery a bit easier to manage around the house. In the days after your surgery, you will likely be back home and trying to have life be as normal as possible. With some simple changes in your home, you can make your recovery period much safer and more enjoyable. Protect against falling Of course, we hope you don’t fall at any time, but patients with a new knee are at a higher risk of falling. It’s wise to protect against a fall by installing an extra hand rail or two around the house and wearing shoes or socks with good traction. You may also ...

By: Dr. Kramer Is knee replacement surgery the only option for alleviating arthritis pain in your knee? Thankfully, the answer is no. There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options to treat knee osteoarthritis before choosing total knee replacement. The key is understanding the nature and extent of your discomfort and pain, namely what is the primary contributor to your potential need for knee replacement. Possible Causes that Lead to Total Knee Replacement Knee osteoarthritis, or simply arthritis as it’s often referred to, is one of the leading causes of knee replacement. The cartilage lining between the bones is thinner than what’s recommended or missing entirely in certain cases. This causes additional pressure or friction on the leg bones. X-rays are often taken to confirm if the joint space is narrowed or irregular in shape. Total knee replacement may also be considered due to trauma to the knee region or increased stress, such as overuse. Inactive lifestyles can lead to obesity, which places unnecessary strain on the knee joint. This can cause significant pain over time. If the excess weight is not ...