Knee Replacement Specialist
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Wayne O. Alani, MD
Wayne O. Alani, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Sugarland, TX & Houston, TX
The knee is a complicated joint that’s easily injured and especially vulnerable to the effects of aging and osteoarthritis pain. When you can no longer manage pain with conservative physical therapy, medication, and bracing, turn to orthopedic surgeon, Wayne O. Alani, MD, who can help you determine whether a total knee replacement is the best way to ease your pain. Call one of his offices in Sugar Land or Houston, Texas, or book an appointment online to benefit from his expertise gained from performing more than 5,000 knee replacement surgeries.
Knee Replacement Q & A
Who is a candidate for a total knee replacement?
Men and women suffering from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition, are good candidates for a total knee replacement. Arthritis causes stiffness, swelling, and pain in your joints. You experience a wearing down of the cartilage, which normally serves as a shock absorber to prevent painful bone-on-bone contact.
When osteoarthritis progresses so much that medication and lifestyle modifications fail to bring relief, Dr. Alani may recommend a knee replacement. He considers your medical history, symptoms, and overall health in determining whether you’re a good candidate for the surgery.
What symptoms suggest a total knee replacement is necessary?
You may come to Dr. Alani with moderate to severe pain in your knee that you experience while moving and while at rest. The pain may interfere with restful sleep. Other symptoms that indicate you’d benefit from knee replacement include:
- Stiffness, swelling, and instability
- Limited daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting up and down from a seated position
- The joint angles inward or outward
What happens during a knee replacement?
During total knee replacement, Dr. Alani removes the damaged portion of your knee joint and replaces it with artificial implants. This common procedure has a high success rate when it comes to reducing knee joint pain and restoring your function.
A total knee replacement usually requires a day or two in the hospital, but can sometimes be performed on an outpatient basis so you’re home the same day. During the surgery, you’ll be put under general or spinal anesthesia.
What will I experience during recovery from total knee replacement surgery?
In the first few days following surgery, you’ll be administered medications to reduce pain and swelling and to reduce the risk of blood clots. You’re directed to keep the leg elevated and prescribed specific exercises to move your foot and ankle often. Dr. Alani might advise you to wear a compression boot, support stockings, and a Continuous Passive Motion Machine, which gently moves and squeezes your leg to aid with circulation.
Walking is an important part of your recovery. When you first get home, you may need assistance with daily tasks, so plan accordingly. In three to six weeks, you’re usually able to resume most daily activities.
For a dramatic reduction in knee pain and an increase in overall strength and mobility, consider total knee replacement surgery. Call the office or schedule a consultation by booking online to see if this procedure is for you.
