6 Signs that you may need a Knee Replacement

Posted on by March 21, 2024

When is it time to consider Knee Replacement Surgery?

According to Web MD, there are 6 signs for which you may need to have a total knee replacement. If you are experiencing pain and are having difficulty moving, then you may benefit from a Total Knee Replacement surgery. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Contact my office at 727-697-2200 to set up a consultation.

I wrote about Knee Replacement HERE. Click on the link to read more in-depth information about the procedure.  If you are experiencing any of the below six signs, you may need Knee Replacement Surgery.

  • Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities

Typically, in older patients there can be osteoarthritis of the knee.  Arthritis is a common cause of severe knee pain and disability. Unfortunately, arthritis is a chronic degenerative condition that can eventually require surgery. The three most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. In the case of any of these three, you may experience stiffness and swelling, and it may be hard to bend your knee. – Healthline Website

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  • Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, day or night

This is a symptom I see quite often, especially having knee pain while sleeping. This can keep you and your spouse up at night and may reduce the quality of life.  There are many studies that show the effects of sleep deprivation on the quality of one’s life and overall mental heath.

  • Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or medications

If you are experiencing these symptoms and you have exhausted the conservative treatments for the knee, then a knee replacement may be in order. It is critical to be assessed by an orthopedic doctor who has familiarity with this type of medical procedure.

  •  Knee deformity: a bowing in or out of your leg

A knee deformity that is not treated over time can cause problems with the rest of your body.  This knee deformity can lead to misalignment of your body which could then effect the other joints in the body, thereby causing you pain elsewhere. A Knee Replacement attempts to put your body back into  appropriate alignment.

  • Knee stiffness: inability to bend and straighten your knee

Flexion and Extension of the knee can be overlooked until you start to experience pain while flexing and/or extending your knee.  Conservative treatment may still be an option, but it is important to have a professional orthopedic evaluation completed for planning your specific needs.

  • No pain relief from NSAIDs (or cannot tolerate them) or other conservative treatment

Once pain medications have lost their effectiveness, it would be beneficial to consult with your pain medicine doctor and your orthopedic doctor so you can develop a plan that fully addresses ALL of your signs and symptoms.

I hope you found this information useful and valuable. I am available for consultation to discuss your unique situation. Please call my office at (727) 697-2200 to set up an appointment.

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