5 Signs It Might Be Time for a Knee Replacement

Arthritis and other degenerative conditions of the knee can progressively take over your life by affecting mobility and creating pain. While knee replacement surgery can often reverse these conditions, it’s not an automatic next step on the treatment chain, since there are plenty of intermediate treatments beyond conservative care. 

However, there are signs that knee replacement is your best option. At 360 Orthopedics in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, we specialize in joint replacement procedures, and we commonly look for five signs when assessing whether it’s time to recommend surgery. 

1. Knee pain persists 

Conservative, comprehensive pain management can delay the need for more aggressive treatment of knee ailments, sometimes for years. However, many knee conditions are degenerative, and there can come a point where pain takes the upper hand. 

When knee pain persists during activity, at rest, and during sleep, it may be time to explore knee replacement options. Every patient has a different pain tolerance, so there’s no medical standard to indicate the “right” time. We can help you make the right choice for your condition and lifestyle. 

2. Lost mobility

When you can’t fully bend or extend your knee, loss of everyday mobility becomes an increasing problem. As your knee deteriorates over time, permanent damage limits how much you can move it, making it difficult to walk and climb stairs. 

Knee stiffness also takes longer to work out when you wake in the morning or get up after sitting for an extended time. As mobility issues increase in frequency, it’s a sign that you’re moving closer to knee replacement. 

3. Loss of activity

As well as difficulty with direct knee joint tasks, you may start to withdraw from activities that you enjoy. Pain and stiffness might glue you to the sofa, limiting all-important physical activity. Dealing with pain and physical limitations can also affect your mental state. 

4. Disrupted sleep

When knee pain sets in overnight, it can be difficult to get full, restful sleep. You may have trouble falling asleep, or pain might wake you through the night. Fatigue from inadequate sleep compounds the physical effects of your knee condition. Knee replacement surgery can help more than simply the condition of the joint. 

5. Medical imaging confirms joint damage

X-rays and other diagnostic imaging can uncover cartilage damage, changes to your bones, and deformity resulting from your degenerative condition. Medical imaging backs up the results of physical examinations and symptom reviews and may provide the last piece of the puzzle pointing toward replacement surgery. 

Every patient is unique, so we help you make an informed decision about your treatment options, including knee replacement surgery. Contact 360 Orthopedics at our nearest location to schedule a consultation with one of our joint replacement specialists today.