5 Signs You May Need a Knee Replacement
Knee pain can creep up on you gradually or appear suddenly after years of wear and tear. Sometimes, it’s manageable with rest or treatment, but other times, it doesn’t seem to let up. When that happens, it might mean your knee is asking for more help. Wondering if a replacement could be on the cards? Learn what the signs and symptoms are of needing a knee replacement.
1. You Can’t Escape the Pain
It’s one thing to have sore knees after a long day or a workout. But what if the pain is there all the time—when you wake up, while you’re walking, or even lying down? If it feels like nothing brings relief, this might be your knee telling you it’s worn out. Talking to a specialist can help you figure out what’s causing it and whether surgery might help.
2. Everyday Tasks Are Becoming Harder
Remember when getting up from a chair or walking around the block felt easy? If those simple movements now feel like a challenge, it’s worth paying attention. Stiffness and discomfort during routine activities often mean the joint is struggling and could be signs of knee replacement. In some cases, this can lead to more limited mobility over time.
3. Swelling That Doesn’t Budge
Swollen knees are often a sign something isn’t right, especially when the swelling doesn’t improve with rest or ice. It can also mean the joint has inflammation that isn’t responding to treatment. Left untreated, this could cause more damage inside the knee.
4. Trouble Moving Your Knee Fully
Does it feel like your knee isn’t cooperating when you try to straighten or bend it? Losing that range of motion can make everyday life more difficult and is often a sign the joint is significantly worn. Restoring flexibility might require more than physiotherapy or pain relief.
5. You’re Missing Out on the Things You Love
When knee pain stops you from enjoying time with friends, going for walks, or even doing your favourite hobbies, it’s not just physical—it’s emotional too. Getting the right treatment can help you feel like yourself again, and sometimes surgery is part of that journey.
When to Ask for Help
It’s not always easy to know when to act, especially if you’ve been putting up with knee pain for years. But ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away—it often makes it worse. Recognising what the signs and symptoms are of needing a knee replacement and seeking advice from an orthopaedic surgeon is a good first step. They’ll assess your knee and let you know if a replacement or another treatment could help.
What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?
A total knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the joint and replacing them with smooth, durable components that work like your natural knee. It’s a routine procedure for people with severe joint damage, and most find it helps them get back to the activities they enjoy.
Take Control of Your Knee Health
If these signs of knee replacement sound familiar, don’t wait. Reach out to a trusted knee surgeon in Melbourne to learn what’s causing your symptoms and what options you have. Whether surgery is the answer or another approach might work, taking the first step can make all the difference.