By the time that nagging knee pain sends you into a professional’s office, you may already know that surgery might be your only option for relief. However, you shouldn’t just take the procedure for granted. When scheduling your knee surgery, there are many factors to consider. Taking an active role in your health journey has been associated with better health outcomes. Below are a few questions you should ask your knee surgeon before going through with your surgery.
What Type of Knee Surgery Will Be the Right Fit?
The level of damage to your knee will determine the type of surgery needed. A few options include total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and meniscus surgery. When discussing your knee surgery options with your physician, take into consideration the recovery time for each surgery. If you need to be on your feet for work, certain knee surgeries could prevent you from returning to work for an extended period of time.
Why Are You Recommending This Surgery?
Now that you know what procedure your surgeon recommends, it’s time to find out why. Having an in-depth conversation with your surgeon about why they are recommending a particular surgery will allow you to better understand their process and help you feel more comfortable. It also allows you to do your own research and better understand what your surgery’s potential outcome could be.
What Kind of Outcome Can I Expect?
Everyone’s body can respond differently to a treatment. But for the most part, there is a typical or expected response to a procedure.
It’s essential to ask your doctor what to expect. For example, find out if your pain will decrease or completely disappear or how it will affect your daily life. This is also a good time to discuss with your surgeon if physical therapy is necessary and, if so, for how long. Most of the time, surgeons will be able to recommend a physical therapist that can aid you in your recovery.
What Are the Potential Complications?
Complications should be the exception rather than the norm. But they are possible, and asking about them can prepare you for the future. For example, figuring out the likelihood of developing tissue damage or blood clots can help you take preventive measures to ward them off.
How Much Pain Should I Expect After Surgery?
It’s normal to be nervous about being sore post-operation. Discuss with your surgeon how much pain you can expect and what steps you can take to reduce your pain. You will likely be prescribed pain medication for after your surgery and given other recommendations to help reduce pain.
Contact K. Mathew Warnock, MD, to Learn More About Knee Surgery
Dr. Warnock is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving Metro Houston. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Dr. Warnock can accommodate many different types of patients. Contact us today to learn more about Dr. Warnock’s knee surgery experience and to schedule your consultation.