Providing specialized orthopedic care at six convenient locations across Northeast Wisconsin. Click to find a location near you.
(920) 560-1000
Upcoming Events News & Blog Medical Mentoring Sponsorships

Things to Note Before Getting a Knee Replacement

A lot of factors can cause trauma to this area of the body. Remember, it’s a very sensitive part due to the ligaments that connect to different bones. Any form of stretching or tearing can make it unstable. In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend a knee replacement in Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh or any of the Fox Cities if the pain can’t be resolved by a home remedy or medicine. Before taking on this procedure, it’s important to weigh a few options to ensure this is a good decision.

Why a Knee Replacement in the First Place? 

If there’s pain, stiffness, instability, or a lack of function in the area, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from a specialist. Another case would be arthritis. Elder people experience severe pain due to considerable damage to the cartilage. While it may not be the first case of getting things replaced, the combination of pain and arthritis could lead to bigger problems down the line. In a sense, it’s a preventative measure to take action before anything else can happen. If the person is living a more sedentary lifestyle, it’s certainly time to seek a doctor’s opinion. Surgery might be a consideration.

Know the Alternatives to a Procedure

Sometimes the pain doesn’t stem from a direct problem in that area. It could be a factor of other things. For example, if a person is experiencing obesity, the extra weight may cause extra stress to the body. This could be the underlying cause of all of the pain. A doctor may suggest that the person gets on a better diet and starts exercise. Not only will this be a good case of weight loss, but it creates less stress in the body. Also, eating right will help to relieve different health related problems due to inflammation or high blood pressure that can affect multiple sections of the body. Another thing to do is ask questions about the procedure itself.

Ask Questions About the Surgery

It’s important to know what goes on before, during, and after surgery. Ask questions to the specialist about what how surgery affects the body. Are there any complications? How long does the procedure last? Is there anything to do to prepare for the surgery? How long does it take to recover fully after the procedure? Find a good specialist that’s able to answer these questions. It’s a good thing to do before selecting the right doctor to perform the procedure.

Seeking Help

At OSI, we’re here to help when you need us. Call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online. OSI is the area’s trusted leader in orthopedic care.

The OSI flagship location in Appleton includes clinics, a surgery center, MRI, physical therapy, and a skilled nursing facility, a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries – everything you need for comprehensive orthopedic care, all under one roof. Additionally, OSI has outreach clinics to serve you in Green Bay, New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location at 600 N. Koeller Street in Oshkosh.

OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.