How Do I Know If I Need A Knee Replacement?

Knee osteoarthritis, or OA, can affect your everyday activities including walking, climbing stairs, lying down, and even sitting. Knee replacement surgery can help you to reduce this chronic pain.

However, before suggesting a knee replacement, your doctor may start you off with other chronic pain treatment first such as anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, creams and ointments, and weight loss.

But how do you know it’s time for knee replacement surgery after you’ve undergone other treatment options?

What are the signs it’s time for a knee replacement?

Knee osteoarthritis can take a serious toll on your joints and by the time symptoms worsen much of that damage may be serious.

Here are four signs it’s time that you talk to your doctor about a knee replacement:

Chronic pain that doesn’t get better. If you still experience chronic pain after physical therapy, pain that affects your sleep, heat, ice therapy, and other non-surgical methods, it may be in your best interest to begin considering knee replacement surgery.

Visual changes. Inflammation can impact how your knee looks. If your knee is regularly inflamed or there are other visual changes in your knee, talk to your doctor about contacting a specialist.

Limited movement. As with chronic pain, if your knee is causing you to have limited mobility even with regular physical therapy, it may be time to consider replacing the knee.

Lifestyle limitations. Limited mobility can have a direct impact on your lifestyle and everyday activities. If you’re unable to perform these activities because of your knee pain, talk to your doctor about knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgery may be the chronic pain treatment you need

Up to 54% of American adults are trying to lose weight. Doctor supervised weight loss can be a form of chronic pain treatment for those with osteoarthritis because it takes some of the weight off your knee. However, sometimes chronic pain treatment like physical therapy and weight loss aren’t enough.

Knee replacement surgery may be the treatment you need to give you back control over your daily life. To learn more about knee replacement surgery and pain management services or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact Wood County Hospital today.