"When chronic knee pain and limited movement begin to affect your mobility and quality of life, your doctor may recommend talking with an orthopedic surgeon about whether knee replacement is right for you," says Zachary L. McBeth, DO, Orthopedics at ARC Cedar Park Building B, ARC Greenlawn Specialty, and ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics. "While surgery can feel like a big step, knee replacement can help reduce pain, improve movement, and help many people get back to the activities they enjoy."
What are the signs you may need a knee replacement?
Knee replacement may be an option when pain, stiffness, and other symptoms begin to interfere with your daily routine. Signs that a knee replacement might be considered:
- Constant chronic pain: You feel severe pain during the day, at rest, or at night while trying to sleep.
- Loss of daily function or limited mobility: Pain stops you from walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair.
- Stiffness and chronic swelling: Your knee stays stiff or swollen most of the time.
- Visible joint deformity: Your leg develops a visible bow-legged or knock-kneed shape.
When you first talk with your clinician about your knee symptoms, they may recommend starting with nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, or exercise. If these approaches don't provide enough relief or you're still having trouble with everyday activities, your doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options and whether a total knee replacement or partial knee replacement may be appropriate.
What activities can you resume after undergoing knee replacement surgery?
Recovery after knee replacement takes time, but each step forward can bring you closer to getting back to the activities you enjoy. Physical therapy and regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles around your knee, improve movement, and build confidence as you get more comfortable. Your recovery will progress at your own pace, but a general guide to returning to activities may look like this:
- Early recovery (first 2 to 4 weeks): Gradually increase walking and everyday activities as your strength and comfort improve, following your surgeon's recommendations.
- Returning to exercise and sports (around 6 weeks and beyond): As your recovery progresses, you may be able to resume more activities, depending on your strength, mobility, and comfort level.
Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe to resume specific activities and whether any should be modified. Following your recovery plan can help you safely regain strength and make the most of your new joint.
"Living with chronic pain and limited mobility doesn't mean you have to give up the activities you enjoy," says Erin F. Dunlap, MD, Orthopedics at ARC Far West, ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics, and ARC South Specialty. "The right treatment plan can help you manage knee problems and, when appropriate, determine whether knee replacement surgery may help you move more comfortably and get back to the activities that are important to you."
Knee care at ARC Orthopedics
When pain, injury, or arthritis affects your knees, ARC Orthopedics offers comprehensive care focused on helping you move more comfortably and maintain your quality of life. Your orthopedic surgeon will work with you to consider all available treatment options to help relieve your pain and improve your joint function.
Surgical approaches to knee replacement
Advances in knee replacement surgery include minimally invasive and muscle-sparing techniques designed to limit disruption to surrounding tissues. Some surgeons also use robotic-assisted surgery to help plan and perform parts of the procedure. The best approach depends on your individual needs, and your orthopedic surgeon can discuss the options that may be appropriate for you.
Learn more about knee replacement at ARC.
Schedule an appointment today
Dr. Dunlap is accepting new patients ages 45 years and older. Dr. Dunlap completed an Adult Joint Reconstruction Fellowship at Baylor Scott & White. She sees patients at ARC Far West, ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics, and ARC South Specialty in Austin.
Dr. McBeth is accepting new patients ages 18 and older. Dr. McBeth completed a Total Joint Replacement Fellowship from New England Baptist Hospital, Boston. He sees patients at ARC Cedar Park Building B, ARC Greenlawn Specialty in Round Rock, and ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics in Austin.
To make an appointment with either, call 512-272-4636 (512-ARC-INFO) or book through ARC MyChart.