Each year, over 700,000 knee replacements are performed in the U.S. to help people find relief from chronic knee pain.1 Knee problems are among the most common reasons patients visit an orthopedic surgeon. While not every case requires surgery, some conditions do call for a long-term solution. Here are the key signs to look for—and what to expect if knee replacement is recommended.
When Is Knee Replacement the Right Option?
Knee replacement isn’t the first line of treatment—but it may be necessary when conservative options like physical therapy, medications, and injections no longer provide relief. You might be a candidate if:
- You experience chronic pain that interferes with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping.
- You’ve been diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis or joint degeneration on imaging studies.
- You notice stiffness or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Your mobility is limited, causing you to rely on a cane or walker.
- Your knee has become deformed or visibly misaligned.
If these persistent symptoms negatively impact your independence, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery.
What to Expect During Knee Replacement Surgery
Modern knee replacement procedures are highly effective and often performed using minimally invasive techniques. During surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with a metal and plastic implant that replicates the smooth motion of a natural knee.
Depending on your overall health, age, and whether robotic-assisted or traditional techniques are used, the procedure can be done as an outpatient surgery or may require a short hospital stay. Most patients begin walking with assistance within a day and see major improvement in mobility within 6–12 weeks.
Recovery and Results: What Life Looks Like After Surgery
Following post-operative instructions carefully-including your physical therapy routine, mobility guidelines, and nutritional recommendations can significantly reduce complications and speed up healing. Most patients report significant pain relief, improved function, and a return to the activities they love-without any knee pain.
Don’t Let Knee Pain Control Your Life
If knee pain is limiting your ability to live fully, it's time to explore your options. Schedule a consultation today to find out if knee replacement is the right path for your recovery and get back to living life on your terms.
AUTHOR: Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement in Chicagoland and NW Indiana.
Reference:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement/
