If you have knee arthritis, long-term knee pain can make your everyday life difficult. You might have trouble walking, climbing stairs, exercising, sleeping or working.
Maybe you don’t think knee replacement is right for you because you’re afraid of surgery, think your knee isn’t bad enough or think you’re too young or too old.
But it’s a good idea to talk to an orthopedic provider so you understand your diagnosis, treatment options and timing. Talking to someone gives you information. It doesn’t mean you have to schedule surgery.
Hunter Aronson, DO, an orthopedic surgeon with Banner Health who has specialized training in hip and knee replacement, helped us understand the truth behind some common myths about knee replacement.
Myth 1: Knee replacement surgery is only for older adults
With knee replacement, age matters but it’s not the only factor. You may be a candidate for knee replacement at a younger age if you have severe damage that’s limiting your life. Your provider will look at your pain, function, X-rays, arthritis severity, health history and treatment goals.
Myth 2: I should wait until I can barely walk
You don’t have to wait to ask about options. Waiting too long may make daily activity harder since less movement can affect your strength, balance, weight, mood and independence. Surgery may be an option when pain is making your function poor despite nonsurgical care.
Myth 3: Knee replacement means I’ll never be active again
“People can return to many activities after a knee replacement. Everyday activities are absolutely something that they can do,” Dr. Aronson said. Many people return to walking, biking, swimming, golf, tennis, pickleball, skiing and other low-impact activities after recovery.
Myth 4: A knee replacement means I'll be able to do things I could when I was in my 20s.
High impact activities like long-distance running, intense skiing, heavy jumping or heavy weightlifting may not be good options after you have a knee replacement.
“There is only so much that we can do to recreate what the body had naturally. We cannot make it exactly the same. While implant technology continues to improve, sometimes the mechanics of the implants don't allow for super-strenuous activities. And higher-impact activities like intense skiing or running long distance increase the risk of the hardware breaking down or failing,” Dr. Aronson said.
Myth 5: Recovery is too painful and takes forever
Knee replacement recovery takes effort but pain control and rehab have improved. You should expect some stiffness, swelling and discomfort. Recovery happens in stages, not all at once.
Most people start moving soon after surgery and improve with physical therapy. Full recovery can take months and you might still see improvement for up to a year.
After surgery when your knee is sore and swollen, you won’t want to move it much. But inactivity can lead to scar tissue buildup that can lower your range of motion. That’s why your surgeon will want you to start physical therapy and home exercises soon after surgery.
“I typically tell people that, on average, about two weeks after surgery they will probably still be very sore; by six weeks they're feeling better; and about three months into recovery they are happy they did it,” Dr. Aronson said. “Many people have a faster recovery timeline, depending on their preoperative activity level and how effectively they rehab.”
Your surgeon can explain the knee replacement risks to you, help you manage knee replacement pain after surgery and help you understand what can affect your recovery.
Myth 6: Surgery is my only option
Knee replacement is usually not the first step. There are several knee replacement alternatives to consider. Your care team may recommend that you try these options first:
- Knee replacement physical therapy (pre-surgery conditioning) or standard physical therapy
- Weight management
- Changing your activities
- Braces
- Pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Injections
These options may help for a while but over time your arthritis may get worse. Surgery may be an option when these treatments aren’t giving you enough pain relief.
Myth 7: All knee replacements are the same
You may need a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement. The best option depends on your knee damage, alignment, ligaments, health and goals. The implant type, surgical approach, technology and recovery plans can vary.
Myth 8: Knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgery
“To perform the surgery, the surgeon needs to get through the skin, fascia and muscle layers to get to the bone,” Dr. Aronson said. They cut the thigh and shin bones to reshape them so the implants fit properly.
Calling a surgery “minimally invasive” can mean that it uses a smaller incision or techniques that are friendlier to the muscles or tendons. But for knee surgery to be performed correctly, surgeons need to access and reshape the bone, so it is by definition “invasive.”
“Although knee replacement is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States, it is still a major surgery and should be taken seriously.” Dr. Aronson said.
When to talk to an orthopedic specialist
It’s a good idea to talk to a provider if:
- Knee pain limits your walking, stairs, sleep or daily tasks
- Knee stiffness or swelling keeps returning
- The knee feels unstable or has changed shape
- You are avoiding activities you enjoy
- You are relying more often on pain medication
- You want to understand all of your options, not necessarily schedule surgery
While less invasive options can help control pain, only knee replacement can treat arthritis. “It is up to you to decide how much your life is affected or impaired by your knee and if it is bothersome enough for you to undergo major surgery,” Dr. Aronson said.
What questions should people ask before deciding on surgery?
Dr. Aronson suggests asking:
- Are there any other conservative options I should try?
- What does my recovery plan and timeline look like?
- Do I need to stay in the hospital?
- What medications will I need after surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will I have?
Bottom line
Knee replacement is not right for everyone but fear and misinformation could keep you living with pain longer than you need to. If knee pain limits your walking, sleep or activities you enjoy, a Banner Health specialist can help you understand your options, from nonsurgical care to joint replacement.
FAQs about knee replacement
How do I know if I need knee replacement?
You may need to discuss knee replacement if knee pain limits daily life and nonsurgical treatments no longer help. Your doctor will review your symptoms, X-rays, health and goals.
Am I too young for knee replacement?
Age is one factor but doctors also look at pain, function, arthritis severity and how much knee problems affect your life.
Am I too old for knee replacement?
Not necessarily. Your overall health, safety for surgery and recovery support often matter more than age alone.
How long does it take to recover from knee replacement?
Recovery happens in stages. Many people improve over several months, and full recovery may take up to a year.
Can I avoid knee replacement?
Sometimes nonsurgical care can help manage symptoms. But if arthritis is severe and daily life is limited, surgery may be an option to discuss.
