Dangers of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery in Mumbai is a common procedure recommended for patients with a severe knee injury and arthritis. If you have excruciating pain in your knee joint or experience limited mobility, a knee replacement can be a good choice. Many patients delay the surgery because of the fear of complications and high costs. Remember, the consequences of not having a knee replacement in time are worse than the surgical outcome. In this post, we’ve talked about the potential dangers of delaying knee replacement surgery. Let’s take a look.

Health Risks of Delaying Surgery

a) Increased Pain and Discomfort:

The more you delay the surgery, the worse the pain. Initially, you may feel pain while walking and performing physical exercises. As the tissues deteriorate further, you will experience pain while resting.

b) Progression of Joint Damage:

Delayed knee replacement causes the bones to rub against each other as the knee joint is used. The damage will only increase over time and lead to further joint and bone deterioration.

c) Development of Secondary Health Issues:

You can also develop secondary health issues, like poor posture and a high risk of falling because of difficulty using the affected joint. Delayed knee replacement is also linked to cardiovascular issues and increased recovery time.

Impact on Quality of Life

A) Reduced Mobility and Independence:

As your knee bones, joints, ligaments, and the surrounding tissues deteriorate, you will experience a limited range of motion. Gradually, everyday tasks, like walking, climbing stairs, sitting, and standing, will become painful.

B) Limitations in Daily Activities and Hobbies:

If your mobility is affected, you won’t be able to execute daily activities or pursue your hobbies. If, for instance, you like sports, the limited mobility with pain can make it difficult to participate in your favourite sports.

C) Emotional and Psychological Effects:

Delayed knee replacement can lead to several physical health issues, which can trigger emotional problems. Not being able to move without pain can cause anxiety, stress, and even depression. The emotional challenges can also affect your relationship and work.

D) Post-operative Challenges:

The biggest issue with delaying knee replacement is complicated surgery. By the time you decide to undergo it, your knee will sustain enough damage to make the surgery complex. It will be a long procedure.

Financial Considerations

i) Rising Medical Costs Over Time:

The sooner you get the surgery, the less it will cost. As mentioned earlier, a complex procedure can take a lot of time and require specialized instruments.

ii) Loss of Income Due to Decreased Productivity:

Decreased mobility can make it difficult to go to work and execute routine office tasks. Even if your work doesn’t involve physical movement, chances are the pain won’t let you concentrate. This can lead to a loss of income. As a result, you won’t be able to finance the surgery later.

Conclusion

A knee replacement surgeon in Mumbai will assess your knee anatomy and recommend the most appropriate surgical method to improve outcome and restore your normal knee function. Delaying the surgery will only bring more complications. So, get it as soon as your doctor recommends.

Bone & Joint Care being one of our core specialties hospital in Mumbai, Thane and Mulund. Get in touch for the best treatment with Dr. Shailendra Patil.