Knee osteoarthritis (OA) does NOT always lead to needing a Total Knee Replacement (TKR), so keep moving and living your best life!
1. Knee OA: A Common Challenge
OA is surprisingly common, affecting 1 in 4 adults over 45 in Canada. It's not just about "wear and tear" but a complex condition involving inflammation and metabolic pathways.
2. Your OA Action Plan
Exercise is your superpower against knee OA, but also consider losing weight and quitting smoking. Talk to your GP about pain relief options, and think about injections. If things aren't improving over months, surgery might be the solution.
3. The Surprising Truth
A knee OA diagnosis doesn't mean things will inevitably get worse. Some people live with it without major progression. Lifetime risk of a TKR is around 30%, and many don't show worsening on x-rays over 15 years.
4. TKR: A New Beginning
If a TKR is in your future, don't fret. Get prepared by staying fit and strong physically and mentally. Recovery may not be a walk in the park, but NHS data shows a promising outcome with 65-90% reporting good to excellent results.
5. Life After TKR
You can get back to a full and active life post-surgery, even engaging in activities like skiing, golf, tennis, and running. Studies reveal 85% return to their chosen sport within 5 months post-op.
6. How Long Will It Last?
New data estimates that the risk of revision for TKRs is only 6.4% at 17 years. This means 93.6% of TKRs performed 17 years ago haven't needed replacement. And with advancing surgical techniques, today's TKRs might last even longer.
Conclusion: Don't Fear the TKR
In a nutshell, knee OA isn't just "wear and tear," and it doesn't mean you're bound for a TKR. Stay active, live your life to the fullest, and don't hesitate to consider a TKR if your symptoms warrant it. Your knees, your choice
Comentarios