Do I Need a Knee Replacement? 7 Signs It May Be Time to See a Specialist
Knee pain can gradually interfere with walking, stairs, sleep and everyday activities. The decision about knee replacement should be based on your symptoms, diagnosis and quality of life rather than an X-ray alone.
Knee pain can be frustrating, particularly when it starts interfering with the things you normally take for granted. Walking may become harder, stairs more difficult and you may begin avoiding activities because you know they will make your knee hurt.
Knee replacement surgery can provide significant improvements in pain and mobility for appropriately selected patients with severe knee arthritis. However, surgery is not necessarily the first step.
The decision should be based on your symptoms, your diagnosis and the impact your knee is having on your life.
What is a knee replacement?
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves removing damaged areas of the knee and replacing them with artificial components.
It is commonly used to treat severe knee arthritis when pain and loss of function are significantly affecting quality of life.
7 signs it may be time to see a knee specialist
Knee pain is limiting your everyday activities
Knee arthritis can gradually turn ordinary activities into challenges. You may struggle with:
- Walking
- Going up or down stairs
- Getting up from a chair
- Shopping
- Gardening
- Driving
- Exercising
- Walking the dog
- Going on holiday
If your knee consistently stops you doing things you want or need to do, it is worth discussing your options with a specialist.
You are walking less because of your knee
Perhaps you used to walk for several miles but now need to stop after a much shorter distance. You may also be choosing shorter routes or avoiding places where you know there will be lots of walking.
A gradual reduction in mobility can be an important sign that your knee problem needs further assessment.
You regularly experience knee pain at night
Knee arthritis can cause pain at rest and at night.
If your knee regularly disturbs your sleep, particularly if you are struggling to find a comfortable position, it is worth seeking medical advice.
Your knee is becoming increasingly stiff
Stiffness can make bending and straightening the knee difficult. You may notice problems getting out of a chair, climbing stairs or getting into and out of a car.
If your range of movement is becoming progressively restricted, a specialist assessment can help determine why.
You are relying increasingly on painkillers
Medication can form part of a treatment plan for knee arthritis, but if you need painkillers regularly or they are no longer controlling your symptoms adequately, it may be time to review your options.
Other treatments are no longer providing enough relief
Depending on your condition, non-surgical treatments may include:
- Exercise
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Medication
- Injections
- Weight management where appropriate
If these measures have been tried and your knee remains painful and limiting, surgery may be worth discussing.
Your quality of life has significantly changed
Perhaps the clearest sign is that your knee is beginning to dictate what you can and cannot do.
If you have stopped playing sport, given up hobbies, cancelled holidays or become less independent because of your knee, it may be time to seek specialist advice.
Does having knee arthritis mean I need a knee replacement?
No. Many people with knee arthritis can manage their symptoms without surgery.
Equally, there can come a point where the combination of pain, stiffness and reduced mobility makes knee replacement a reasonable option.
The appearance of your X-ray is only part of the decision. Your symptoms and how they affect your life are equally important.
Knee arthritis
Learn more about symptoms, assessment and treatment options for knee arthritis.
What happens at a knee specialist appointment?
Your specialist will ask about your symptoms and how they affect daily activities. They may examine your knee to assess movement, stability and areas of tenderness.
You may also need imaging, such as an X-ray, to assess the condition of the joint.
The aim is to establish what is causing your symptoms and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
Are there alternatives to knee replacement?
In many cases, yes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your knee pain.
For some patients, exercise and physiotherapy may help. Others may benefit from injections or other non-surgical treatments.
Mr Dowen also treats a range of knee problems including meniscal tears and mechanical knee symptoms, and performs keyhole knee surgery where appropriate.
This is why obtaining the correct diagnosis is important before deciding that knee replacement is necessary.
When should you seek urgent medical advice?
A significant knee injury followed by severe pain, inability to put weight through the leg or major swelling should be assessed promptly. A hot, red and very painful knee, particularly if accompanied by fever or feeling unwell, also requires urgent assessment.
Questions about knee replacement
What age do you need to be for a knee replacement?
There is no single age at which knee replacement becomes appropriate. The decision depends on symptoms, diagnosis, health, mobility and quality of life.
Can knee arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Depending on the severity of the condition, physiotherapy, exercise, medication, injections and other approaches may help.
How do I know if my knee pain is arthritis?
Common symptoms include pain with activity, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement, but several conditions can cause similar symptoms. A clinical assessment and, where appropriate, imaging can help establish the diagnosis.
Does a knee replacement get rid of all knee pain?
The main aim is to reduce pain and improve function, but individual results vary and recovery takes time.
Should I wait until my knee pain is unbearable before considering surgery?
Not necessarily. If your knee is significantly affecting mobility and quality of life despite appropriate treatment, it is reasonable to discuss your options with a specialist.
Is knee pain beginning to dictate what you can and cannot do?
A consultation with Mr Daniel Dowen can help identify the cause of your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options, including non-surgical care and knee replacement where suitable.