Knee Replacement: Signs & Symptoms

With all of the information now available online and elsewhere on knee replacements, a lot of people have a lot of questions. The most important question is this: Do I or don’t I need a knee replacement? There are common signs you can look for to help you answer this question.

Artificial knee replacement surgery is a major surgery. More and more people (500,000-plus a year) are undergoing the procedure, technological advancements have made it safer, and the results include resuming an active lifestyle. Still, there is a right time and a wrong time to undergo this surgery.

An orthopedic physician who specializes in joint replacement surgery is your best source to help you decide whether you should have a knee replacement. Dr. Wilmont R. Kreis, an orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron who specializes in total joint replacements, says, “When patients come in with knee pain, we assess their pain and mobility and decide if surgery is the best route. Sometimes it is, but not always.”

Here are some signs that may give you an indication one way or the other if surgery is right for you.

You may be ready for knee replacement surgery if:

• You have knee pain that keeps you awake at night
• You have knee pain that sidelines you from your favorite recreational activities
• You have knee pain that limits necessary, daily functions such as climbing stairs or standing up
• You have tried other, more conservative methods to control the pain with little success

On the other hand, you may not be ready for a knee replacement if:

• Your knee pain does not limit routine activities
• You have not tried conservative treatment methods
• Your symptoms are improving with conservative treatments

Specialists with Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron specialize in conservative and surgical care of knees, as well as the hand, foot and ankle, back and neck, and sports medicine. Call (810) 985-4900 if you have knee pain.