Things to Consider Before Knee Joint Replacement

Have you been told you need a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or better known as a total knee replacement? Have you looked to your local doctor of chiropractic for a second opinion prior to agreeing to a total knee replacement? When you are suffering from chronic knee pain, your issue may not be localized to your knee joint, rather may be stemming from a structural issue in your hip or ankle.

 

Several studies have demonstrated how hyperpronation of the ankle can affect the alignment of the knee, placing added stress on the joint, as can impaired hip function. These issues should be addressed before considering a total knee arthroplasty. This is why it’s important for doctors to assess the whole patient for a musculoskeletal condition because the cause of contributing factors for the issue could be from outside the area of chief complaint. In many cases, a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises provided by a doctor of chiropractic can restore proper motion to the affected hip of ankle, which can then benefit the knee.

 

Manual therapies can also break up adhesions and scar tissue that may affect knee range of motion. When the knee can move as intended, the pressure from normal movement can help provide nutrients to the remaining cartilaginous tissue, reducing inflammation and pain.

 

The take-home message is that there may be a time when a TKA is the only option available to a patient with knee pain, but if the knee is poorly aligned or its range of motion is restricted, then TKA may not be the answer, Luckily, these are issues that can be addressed with chiropractic care, which may delay or even reduce the need for an eventual surgical procedure.

 

Talking to your doctor of chiropractic before opting to get a total knee replacement can be very beneficial to rule out any issues with the hip or ankle joints. If surgery is necessary, setting an appointment to consult with a doctor of chiropractic can still be a valuable addition to your care, to ensure there are no issues with the surrounding joints before and after your total knee replacement surgery.

 

Content Courtesy of Chiro-Trust.org. All Rights Reserved.

 

Dr. Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and their ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regiments to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule and appointment and visit their website to learn more about their services!