Should I Get a Knee Replacement?

If you have osteoarthritis (OA), which is the most common form of knee arthritis, and are experiencing significant pain that makes it difficult to perform your daily activities, you may want to consider knee replacement surgery.

Total knee replacement is a very common surgery, with more than one million completed annually in the U.S. Surgeons perform the procedure slightly more frequently on adults between the ages of 45 and 84, with women undergoing the surgery slightly more often than men.

How Bad Does a Knee Have To Be Before Considering Replacement?

For the majority of patients with knee pain that’s infringing on their ability to go on walks and enjoy other recreational activities, most doctors will try more conservative treatments before recommending surgery. Some of these treatments include exercise, physical therapy, injections, medications and other non-surgical procedures. Losing weight is also recommended for those who are overweight before considering knee replacement.

Signs You Might Need Knee Replacement Surgery

Consult your physician about knee replacement if you’re experiencing any or all of the following symptoms:

• Your long-lasting pain isn’t improving. If you’ve tried the more conservative treatments and your pain isn’t getting better, knee replacement could be a good option.
• Your arthritis is interfering with your life. If simple, necessary activities such as walking, sleeping and working are becoming difficult due to knee pain, knee replacement might be the answer.
• Your knees are swollen and stiff. A painful, stiff and swollen knee can be improved dramatically with knee replacement surgery, which removes the damaged, inflamed tissue that causes stiffness and swelling.
• Your knee has been injured. If you’ve suffered an injury that deforms your knee, or if you were born with a knee deformity, you may want to look into knee replacement.
• Your knee hurts when you’re at rest. Knee pain typically gets worse when it’s being used while walking, running or exercising. On the other hand, if it hurts when you’re not using it, you may need surgery to help with the pain.
• Your legs are bowed. If your knee bows in or out, knee replacement surgery will replace damaged portions with an artificial joint that can correct the bowing.
• You want to remain active. If your knee is preventing you from enjoying physical activities like running and skiing, you may want to consider knee replacement.
• You want lasting pain relief. The average knee replacement lasts for 20 to 25 years, and a little less for those who are more physically active. Overall, artificial joints provide long-term improvement.

What Are the Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery?

There are several different types of knee surgery, including full-and partial-knee replacements. Here are the main benefits you can expect from knee replacement surgery:

• Pain relief. Probably the biggest benefit you’ll notice after surgery is not experiencing pain during your daily activities and when you’re at rest.
• Improved mobility. Knee replacement surgery will make it easier to climb stairs, walk and exercise, which is important in helping to maintain a healthy weight.
• Better treatment response. If your knee pain, inflammation and swelling don’t get better with rest, medication or other treatments, knee surgery can be a good option. Long-term use of certain medications, including NSAIDs and opioid pain relievers, can cause complications. Getting knee replacement surgery reduces your need for medications and other treatments.
• High success and satisfaction rates. More than 90% of those who undergo knee replacement surgery, most of whom have OA, say that it reduces their pain and that they’re satisfied with the results one year after the procedure.

What To Expect During Knee Replacement Surgery

Every patient journey looks a little different, but having a general sense of the process can help you feel prepared. Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged cartilage and bone surfaces from the joint and resurfacing the area with durable metal and plastic components.

The surgical procedure typically takes between one and two hours under regional or general anesthesia. Many patients return home the same day, while others stay in the hospital for a day or two, depending on their overall health and support system.

Recovery begins right away. Most individuals stand and begin walking with assistance within hours of surgery. Physical therapy starts immediately to rebuild strength and restore your range of motion. Patients can typically return to light activities like walking and stationary cycling in six to twelve weeks, with full recovery taking six months to a year.

It’s important to note that knee replacement recovery timelines vary based on overall health, age and personal recovery goals.

Learn More About Total Knee Replacement Surgery

If you think that knee replacement surgery might be right for you, talk with your primary care physician. They can assess your condition and refer you to an orthopedic care specialist if appropriate.