Achy knees are a common part of getting older. But when knee pain starts getting in the way of everyday life, it might be time to look at more than just ice packs and pain relievers.
A knee replacement isn't the right choice for everyone. But knowing the signs that knee pain is getting serious can help you decide when it's time to talk with your doctor.
Signs it might be time for a knee replacement
1. Your knee pain is constant
It's one thing to feel sore after a long walk or a busy day. It's another when your knee hurts almost every day.
“If the pain isn't going away or keeps getting worse, it's worth bringing up at your next doctor's appointment,” says Ryan Harris, DO, Carilion Clinic Orthopaedic Surgery.
2. Everyday activities have become difficult
When knee pain starts making simple things harder, it can have a big effect on your quality of life. You may notice it's harder to:
- Walk for more than a few minutes
- Go up or down stairs
- Get up from a chair
- Stand for long periods
- Shop, cook, or do household chores
- Exercise
3. Your knee feels stiff
Does your knee feel like it needs time to "warm up" in the morning or after sitting for a while? Stiffness is common with arthritis. But if it's getting worse or limiting how well you move, it may be a sign of more advanced joint damage.
4. Your knee gives out
If your knee feels unstable or sometimes buckles beneath you, don't ignore it. “Instability and pain can go hand in hand and increase your risk of falling. It can also mean that the cartilage and supporting structures inside the joint have worn out,” explains Dr. Harris.
5. Swelling doesn’t go away
A little swelling after a busy day isn't unusual. But if your knee stays swollen or keeps puffing up no matter what you do, it can be a sign of joint deterioration.
6. Other treatments aren’t helping
Most people don't jump straight to knee replacement. Doctors usually recommend trying other treatments first, like:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Knee injections
- Wearing a brace
- Losing weight, if needed
- Changing certain activities
If you've tried these options and you're still dealing with pain every day, it may be time to talk about surgery.
7. You're missing out on things you enjoy
One of the biggest signs is pain that keeps you from doing the things you love. If your knee stops you from things like keeping up with your grandkids, going on trips, or enjoying favorite hobbies, it's worth talking with your doctor about your options.
What happens during a knee replacement?
A knee replacement is a surgery that removes damaged cartilage and bone and replaces them with artificial parts that help the joint move more smoothly. “With minimally invasive techniques, we can now do many knee replacements as outpatient surgeries so you can sleep in your own bed and recover at home after surgery,” notes Dr. Harris.
While every person's recovery is different, most people begin walking with help shortly after surgery and continue improving over the following weeks and months through physical therapy and exercise.
If knee pain is making everyday life harder than it should be, reach out to your primary care doctor or orthopaedic specialist.
