Persistent knee pain can become so limiting that it affects daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs or even resting at night.
At the Gastaldi Institute in Valencia, we treat patients who live with this reality and seek to restore their quality of life. A knee prosthesis is an effective solution when other treatments have not worked, but how do you know when the time is right?
In this article, we explain the keys to understanding when a prosthesis may be necessary and what to expect from this procedure.
What is a knee replacement and why might it be necessary?
A knee prosthesis is an artificial implant designed to replace a damaged joint, restoring functionality and eliminating pain.
This procedure is mainly indicated in cases of advanced osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that wears down the articular cartilage and causes friction between the bones. It may also be necessary after severe injuries, such as fractures or irreparable cartilage damage.
The decision to use a prosthesis is not taken lightly. Before reaching this point, patients should have tried conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, infiltrations or biological therapies.
When pain significantly limits quality of life and daily activities, in the final stage of the disease, surgery may be the best option. At ITGO, we combine technological advances with our expertise in joint prosthetic surgery to ensure optimal results.
Symptoms indicating the need for a knee prosthesis
Not all knee discomfort requires surgical intervention, but there aresome symptoms that should not be ignored. If you feel constant pain, even at rest, and it affects your sleep or basic activities, it is time to seek specialist help.
Another important sign is prolonged morning stiffness, accompanied by reduced mobility that makes it difficult to perform simple tasks such as getting out of a chair.
Visible deformity in the joint can also be a sign of severe damage. In these cases, the prosthesis not only improves mobility, but also corrects the alignment and stability of the knee.
When symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, the specialists at ITGO, experts in regenerative and sports medicine in Valencia, will assess whether this surgery is the best option.
What does the intervention consist of?
Knee replacement surgery is a highly advanced procedure performed under general or regional anaesthesia.
During the operation, the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with metal components to replace the articular surface and plastic implants to provide mobility and prevent joint friction, designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee.
The procedure takes one to two hours, and the patient usually stays in the hospital for two to three days to begin recovery. At ITGO, we use state-of-the-art techniques to minimise post-operative pain and speed up the rehabilitation process.
The success of the surgery depends not only on the intervention itself, but also on the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation. For this reason, we combine the intervention with personalised physiotherapy and exercise programmes to guarantee a complete recovery, backed by our experience in traumatology in Valencia.
Benefits of a knee prosthesis
Opting for a knee replacement can radically transform a patient’s life. One of the most obvious benefits is the elimination of pain, making it possible to recover activities that previously seemed impossible, such as walking long distances or playing low-impact sports.
In addition, a prosthesis improves stability and corrects deformities, restoring confidence in every step.
According to recent studies, more than 90% of patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life after surgery.
For those looking to maintain an active lifestyle, a knee replacement can be the start of a new phase, supported by our joint replacement surgery programmes at ITGO.
Regain your mobility with ITGO
If knee pain limits your daily life and conventional treatments have not worked, a prosthesis may be the solution you need.
At the Gastaldi Traumatology Institute, we are committed to your wellbeing, offering personalised options that combine innovation and experience.
Don’t let pain stop you. You can contact us without obligation and take the first step towards a life without limitations.
Also, keep checking our blog for more tips on how to care for your joints and improve your quality of life.