OPA ORTHO

Swedish

Do I need a Knee Replacement?

Once conservative measures have failed, knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective treatments for end-stage arthritis of the knee joint. Knee replacement surgery should be considered when your knee arthritis keeps you from performing the activities you enjoy due to knee pain (such as walking up and down stairs, golfing, hiking, walking, working out, dancing). It is important that you are in your best state of health before proceeding - good preparation makes for a good recovery.

Knee arthritis is usually from a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. Some of our patients report that their sister, aunt and grandfather all have arthritis. Other patients report that they had a prior injury and have had knee pain since. Your knee pain and stiffness result from a degenerative process in which your joint has lost its normal smooth cartilage, so that now you have pain from the irregular surface of your bones rubbing on each other.

Alternative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, injections, and physical therapy can sometimes defer the need for surgery. Knee replacement surgery is an elective procedure, so there is no urgency to making a decision. However, if your knee arthritis is interfering with your day to day life, if may be time to consult an orthopedic surgeon to learn more about your options.

Info on Knee Replacement