When Is It Time for a Knee Replacement? By: Dr. Joel Fechisin, Joint Replacement Surgeon
Table of Contents
Signs It’s Time To See A Knee Specialist
As we age and move through life, the wear and tear on our bodies can start to impact our quality of life and keep us from enjoying the activities we love. You may find yourself slowing down during sports, turning down outings that involve long walks, or watching from the sidelines instead of participating. When these limitations start to affect your daily routine or well-being, it’s time to take the next step. The joint replacement surgeons at Seaview Orthopaedics are here to provide personalized, high-quality care and help you get back to doing what matters most.
Facing Degenerative Knee Joint Symptoms
As we grow older, the cartilage in our joints gradually wears down- a condition known as osteoarthritis. An X-ray image can visually demonstrate the effects of osteoarthritis, showing how the protective cartilage has diminished over time. The image below offers a clear visual of what knee arthritis looks like from an X-ray perspective.
Beyond what you and your doctor may see on an X-ray, the physical experience of osteoarthritis often includes several noticeable symptoms that you can pinpoint. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
• Persistent knee pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty walking
• Joint instability
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a joint specialist.
The Use of X-Ray Imaging in Knee Conditions
X-rays play a key role in diagnosing osteoarthritis. These images allow your physician to assess cartilage loss and determine whether the bones are beginning to rub against one another- a common sign of advanced joint degeneration. With the help of X-ray imaging, your doctor can evaluate the extent of joint damage and determine whether you may benefit from knee replacement surgery.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement Surgery?
There are several conservative treatments your physician may recommend before considering surgery. They include:
• Physical therapy: helps strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce strain on the joint.
• Injections: such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: including NSAIDs, can help manage pain and swelling on a day-to-day basis.
If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort and these options have not provided relief, it may be time to explore knee replacement as a long-term solution.
Candidates and Diagnosis For Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement is generally recommended for patients in their 50s or 60s who have significant joint damage and loss of function. However, age is not the only factor- some younger individuals may have advanced degenerative changes that warrant surgical intervention.
On the other hand, proceeding with joint replacement too early can increase the chances of needing a revision surgery later in life, since artificial joints have a limited lifespan. Your doctor will weigh your symptoms, imaging results, and overall health to help determine the right timing for surgery.
What Are The Risks of Delaying A Knee Replacement?
Delaying necessary treatment can lead to a series of risks including:
- Worsening pain
- Increased cartilage degeneration
- Loss of joint mobility.
Keep in mind that once your range of motion is lost, it can be much harder to regain, so it’s crucial to address limitations promptly. By not taking a proactive approach you risk significantly impacting your daily life, limiting not only the activities you love but also essential everyday tasks.
Schedule a Knee Appointment with Seaview Orthopaedics in NJ for More Information
Our board-certified, fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeons are committed to helping you regain your quality of life. With six convenient locations across Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties, Seaview Orthopaedics is here to offer expert care and support so you can move with comfort and confidence again. To discuss how we can help you achieve better joint movement, feel free to contact any one of our orthopedic clinics across New Jersey or schedule an appointment online today.
Meet Dr. Joel Fechisin
Dr. Fechisin is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic joint replacement surgeon from Blairstown, New Jersey. He treats a wide range of hip and knee conditions, with a focus on arthritis and joint preservation. He has advanced training in managing sports-related knee injuries including, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, and damage to knee muscles and tendons. Dr. Fechisin also specializes in both joint replacement and joint revision surgeries and performs non-surgical methods such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections for various musculoskeletal injuries and osteoarthritis.