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.
