{"id":22387,"date":"2022-10-20T23:01:24","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T23:01:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=22387"},"modified":"2025-09-26T16:42:33","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T16:42:33","slug":"thinking-about-knee-replacement-heres-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/thinking-about-knee-replacement-heres-what-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Thinking about knee replacement? Here\u2019s what you should know","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re experiencing knee pain, you\u2019re not alone \u2014 this ailment affects approximately 25 percent of adults<\/a>. When persistent knee pain interferes with your ability to perform daily activities like walking, standing or exercising, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery.<\/p>\n

Most of us know at least one person who has undergone this procedure. Also known as knee arthroplasty, knee replacement surgery is one of the most common elective surgical procedures in the U.S., and according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons<\/a>, also one of the most successful.<\/p>\n

Zachary Adler, MD<\/a>, an orthopedic surgeon, shares insight about who is a good candidate for this procedure and what to expect.<\/p>\n

What is knee replacement?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The most common reason orthopedic surgeons perform knee replacement is to improve mobility and relieve pain from osteoarthritis<\/a>, a disease caused by general wear and tear to the cartilage and bones in the knee. Other situations where knee replacement may be appropriate include pain caused by injuries to the knee or some inflammatory diseases.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring knee replacement surgery, we remove the structures \u2014 cartilage and part of the bone \u2014 that have been worn down and are no longer providing people the cushion they need to move comfortably. Then we replace them with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic,\u201d Dr. Adler says. \u201cThe whole procedure takes about an hour. Depending on a patient\u2019s medical history, they can be asleep during the surgery or receive a form of anesthesia where they remain awake with sedation but don\u2019t feel anything below the waist.\u201d<\/p>\n

In some cases, orthopedic surgeons use robot- or computer-assisted technology<\/a>, which can aid surgical planning and precision. Patients can expect an artificial knee joint to function well for 15 to 25 years.<\/p>\n

5 things to know about knee replacement surgery and recovery <\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Explore other options for pain relief first.<\/strong> While knee replacement surgery is highly effective for alleviating pain, patients and physicians typically only consider it when non-surgical treatments fail to provide lasting relief. Non-surgical options for pain relief include physical therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections and anti-inflammatory food choices, among others.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmong all knee replacement surgeries in the U.S., there is an approximately 80 to 90 percent success rate, meaning most people are pleased with the results of the procedure,\u201d Dr. Adler says. \u201cThe patients who aren\u2019t as happy tend to be those who tried fewer non-surgical options first or have less advanced arthritis.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Maintain realistic expectations about what surgery can do for you<\/strong>. \u201cSometimes people are surprised that knee replacement surgery isn\u2019t going to put them in a position where they can return to strenuous activities that they used to do years ago, like marathon running, for example,\u201d Dr. Adler says. \u201cKnee replacement can\u2019t really turn back the clock in that way, but what it can do is relieve pain and help people get back to doing everyday-type activities or low-intensity exercise, like swimming or hiking.\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Knee replacement surgery is not a good solution for all knee pain.<\/strong> Before moving forward with knee replacement, it\u2019s important to pinpoint both the source and nature of your pain. X-rays are one tool your orthopedic provider will use to understand what\u2019s happening inside your knee and ensure that surgery is a good fit for you.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf your X-rays don\u2019t indicate the effects of severe arthritis in your knee, then knee replacement may not be the best solution for relieving your pain,\u201d Dr. Adler says. \u201cIf that\u2019s the case, we can work together on identifying the source of your pain, finding alternatives for symptom relief and helping you reach your functional goals.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. You\u2019ll be up and moving the same day as your surgery.<\/strong> Knee replacement surgery has come a long way since it was first developed in 1968. In years past, patients spent several days or weeks recuperating in the hospital and did not put any weight on their knee for some time after surgery, but not anymore.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdvances in anesthesia and our approach to therapy mean that we get people up and moving the day of their surgery, which is better for their long-term recovery,\u201d Dr. Adler says. \u00a0\u201cOften, people can even go home on the same day as their surgery.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. Recovery for knee replacement surgery can take up to six weeks<\/strong>. \u201cThe first two to three weeks following knee replacement are the most difficult part of recovery \u2014there can be some pain and muscle soreness,\u201d Dr. Adler says. \u201cWhile people are fully weight-bearing during this time, most use a walker to help them get around.\u201d<\/p>\n

During recovery, your surgeon will recommend exercises you can do at home to maintain your range of motion and build strength. A majority of people return to most daily activities within three to six weeks after surgery. Keep in mind that the state of your health prior to surgery will affect how quickly you recuperate.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnee replacement can make a big difference in a person\u2019s quality of life \u2014 making it possible for them to get back to doing the activities they love, whether that\u2019s playing with their grandkids or going for long walks in their neighborhood,\u201d Dr. Adler says. \u201cThe most important thing for people to remember is that every person and every knee is different. Your orthopedic provider will work closely with you to help you figure out if and when knee replacement surgery is a good option.\u201d<\/p>\n

Learn more about finding relief for knee pain by visiting MultiCare Orthopedics & Sports Medicine<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re experiencing knee pain, you\u2019re not alone \u2014 this ailment affects approximately 25 percent of adults. When persistent knee pain interferes with your ability to perform daily activities like walking, standing or exercising, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery. Most of us know at least one person who has undergone this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":367,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-orthopedics"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThinking about knee replacement? 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