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Knee Pain & Knee Replacement • Visalia, CA
What Type of Knee Surgery Did Oprah Have?
Oprah Winfrey has publicly discussed undergoing surgery on both
knees in 2021. Her experience with knee surgery, rehabilitation,
and returning to physical activity has also brought attention to
an important question: when is knee replacement necessary, and
what other options may be available for chronic knee pain?
Quick Answer
Oprah Winfrey underwent surgery on both knees in 2021,
commonly described as double knee replacement surgery.
She had one knee surgery in August 2021 and the second in
November 2021. She later spoke publicly about her rehabilitation
and how recovering from surgery changed her perspective on
exercise and mobility.
Oprah’s experience also raises an important question for people
living with severe knee arthritis:
Does everyone with significant knee pain need a knee
replacement?
Not necessarily. Depending on the cause of the pain, severity of
arthritis, overall health, previous treatments, and functional
limitations, some patients may have nonsurgical or minimally
invasive options available.
For patients searching for an
alternative to knee replacement in Visalia, CA,
understanding the difference between knee replacement surgery
and minimally invasive knee pain treatments is an important
first step.
Did Oprah Have Both Knees Replaced?
Oprah has publicly discussed having surgery on both knees in 2021
and has subsequently referred to having “new knees.”
The procedures were performed several months apart:
- First knee surgery: August 2021
- Second knee surgery: November 2021
She later described having significant difficulty moving her leg
immediately following the first procedure.
During rehabilitation, Oprah began hiking and gradually increased
her activity. She has since discussed how recovering from her knee
surgeries gave her a greater appreciation for movement and
physical strength.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also called
knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used
to replace damaged portions of the knee joint with artificial
components.
It is commonly considered for people with severe knee arthritis
who experience significant pain and loss of function despite
conservative treatment.
During a total knee replacement, damaged bone and cartilage are
removed from portions of the:
- Femur, or thigh bone
- Tibia, or shinbone
- Sometimes the underside of the patella, or kneecap
The damaged joint surfaces are then replaced with metal and
plastic components designed to allow smoother movement of the
knee.
Why Would Someone Need a Knee Replacement?
One of the most common reasons for knee replacement is advanced
osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis gradually damages the cartilage that normally
cushions the bones within the knee joint.
As cartilage deteriorates, patients may experience:
- Chronic knee pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Pain while climbing stairs
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty standing for extended periods
- Pain that interferes with sleep
- Reduced ability to exercise or perform daily activities
Severe cartilage loss is sometimes described as a
“bone-on-bone knee.”
Important: Having severe arthritis on an X-ray
does not automatically determine whether someone should have
knee replacement surgery. Symptoms, mobility, overall health,
previous treatments, and quality of life should also be
considered.
Does Everyone With Severe Knee Arthritis Need Knee Replacement?
No. Severe knee arthritis does not automatically mean
that every patient needs knee replacement surgery.
Knee replacement may be appropriate for certain patients,
particularly when pain and loss of function significantly affect
daily life and conservative treatments are no longer providing
adequate relief.
Other patients may be able to manage chronic knee pain through
nonsurgical or minimally invasive treatments.
The appropriate approach depends on the individual patient and,
importantly, the underlying source of the pain.
What Can You Try Before Knee Replacement?
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding
the knee and improve flexibility, stability, balance, and
movement.
Stronger muscles may provide additional support for the knee
and make certain daily activities more manageable.
Activity Modification
Changing activities that repeatedly aggravate the knee may
help reduce symptoms.
Low-impact activities such as swimming, stationary cycling,
and water exercise may allow some people to remain active while
placing less impact on the knee.
Weight Management
For patients who are overweight, weight management may reduce
some of the mechanical load placed on the knee joint.
Knee Bracing
Certain knee braces may provide additional support or help
redistribute pressure away from damaged areas of the knee.
Medications
Depending on a patient’s health history, healthcare
professionals may recommend certain oral or topical medications
to help manage arthritis-related pain.
Knee Injections
Corticosteroid and other types of injections may be considered
for certain patients to provide temporary symptom relief.
Alternatives to Knee Replacement in Visalia, CA
Patients searching for an
alternative to knee replacement in Visalia
may have additional options depending on what is causing their
chronic knee pain.
Visalia VIPS Pain Management offers minimally invasive treatment
approaches for appropriately selected patients, including
procedures that target the nerves or inflammatory processes
associated with chronic knee pain.
Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation,
sometimes called genicular nerve ablation or knee RFA, is a
minimally invasive treatment designed to reduce certain types
of chronic knee pain.
Several genicular nerves around the knee carry pain signals
toward the brain.
During radiofrequency ablation, controlled radiofrequency
energy is applied to targeted nerves to interrupt or reduce
those pain signals.
Does Knee RFA Repair Arthritis?
No.
Radiofrequency ablation does not rebuild cartilage or
reverse structural knee arthritis.
Instead, the treatment targets pain signaling. For appropriately
selected patients, reducing these signals may provide pain relief
and improved function even though the underlying arthritis
remains.
Knee RFA may be considered for certain patients who:
- Have chronic knee pain
- Have osteoarthritis-related knee pain
- Have not received adequate relief from conservative treatments
- Want to delay knee replacement when medically appropriate
- Are not appropriate surgical candidates
- Experience certain types of persistent pain after knee replacement
A diagnostic genicular nerve block may sometimes be performed
before RFA to evaluate whether the targeted nerves are
contributing to the patient’s pain.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is
another minimally invasive treatment that may be considered
for certain patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Instead of targeting nerves, GAE targets abnormal blood vessels
associated with inflammation in the knee.
Using image guidance, a physician reaches selected genicular
arteries and introduces tiny particles to reduce abnormal blood
flow associated with inflammation.
Does GAE Replace Knee Replacement Surgery?
GAE is not a replacement for knee replacement in every patient.
It does not rebuild cartilage or correct severe structural
deformity.
Instead, it may provide another treatment option for
appropriately selected patients whose knee pain is associated
with osteoarthritis and inflammation.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
Peripheral nerve stimulation may also be considered for certain
chronic pain conditions.
PNS uses mild electrical stimulation near targeted peripheral
nerves to alter pain signaling.
Like RFA, peripheral nerve stimulation does not restore lost
knee cartilage. Its purpose is pain management.