If knee pain, stiffness and swelling stop you from enjoying life, it may be time for a knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgery is generally considered safe and has a high rate of success. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that more than 90% of modern knee replacements still function well 15 years after surgery.
So, is knee replacement surgery right for you? Below, we cover signs that it’s time to talk to your doctor.
Do you need knee surgery? 8 signs that it may be time for a knee replacement
- You’ve had knee pain for weeks or longer
- Your knee hurts even when resting, and makes it hard to sleep
- You have swelling in the knee that doesn’t go away
- It’s difficult to walk, use the stairs, stand up from chairs or kneel down
- You need a cane or other device to get around
- Your symptoms can’t be managed by over-the-counter medications or nonsurgical options for knee pain
- Your pain prevents you from performing activities like bathing, shopping and getting dressed
- Knee problems are keeping you from doing the things you love
Severe pain in your knee can be a sign you need a knee replacement
Knee joint pain tends to be localized around the knee, meaning that the pain doesn’t usually continue up or down the leg.
How knee replacement surgery helps
After knee replacement surgery, most people have less pain and stiffness, and they find that their knees are easier to move and use. Because of this, people can be more active, which can lead to a better quality of life.
Knee replacements are most common in people who have severe knee arthritis, but other risk factors include previous knee injury, gout, knee deformity or unusual bone growth. The typical knee replacement age is between 50 and 80 years old.
What a knee replacement looks like
Knee replacements are used to replace damaged knee joints that are causing significant knee pain that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back. Depending on the damage to your knee joint, one or more parts may be replaced with an artificial knee joint (prosthesis). The prosthesis replaces damaged cartilage with high-density plastic and has metal caps for the thigh bone and shin bones. The following image shows a total knee replacement, which is when the entire knee joint has been replaced.
What’s involved in the knee replacement process
- Physical exam – The first step is an appointment with a knee specialist to see if you’re a good candidate for surgery.
- Preparing for surgery – Like all surgeries, knee replacement surgery comes with risks. You can reduce their likelihood by adjusting your home to make it safer and more comfortable for life after surgery.
- Pre-op appointment – A couple weeks before knee surgery, you’ll go to a pre-op appointment to make sure you’re physically ready for surgery.
- Surgery day – In most cases, patients return home the same day or the day after surgery. You will likely need assistive devices (like crutches or a walker) for a while. And you’ll definitely need someone to drive you home.
- Physical therapy – About one week after knee surgery, you’ll start physical therapy.
- Recovery time – You’ll likely feel better within three months, but it takes at least a year to fully heal from knee surgery.
Are there signs you may need knee surgery? Talk to a knee specialist about what’s next.
If you have one or more of the signs that it might be time for a knee replacement surgery, make an appointment with one of our knee specialists. They’ll talk with you about your options, which may include surgery or other treatments such as our Knee Arthritis Program.
Getting a knee replacement is a personal decision. We never push patients toward surgery and will work with you to find a different treatment plan if you’d prefer.