When Is It Time to Consider Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is a major decision, and knowing when the time is right can feel difficult. However, there are clear clinical signs and milestones that indicate when surgery may offer the most benefit.

You may be ready to consider knee replacement if you're experiencing persistent pain that affects daily life despite non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication or injections. Other important indicators include difficulty walking short distances, struggling with stairs, night pain that disrupts sleep, or stiffness that limits your ability to perform basic tasks.

X-rays or scans will often show significant arthritis — loss of cartilage, bone spurs or changes in joint alignment. When these findings match your symptoms, knee replacement is often the best route to restoring comfort and function.

Modern knee replacements are highly successful, with most patients experiencing dramatic improvements in pain and mobility. Thanks to robotics, navigation systems and improved implant design, today's outcomes are more precise and more predictable than ever.

If your knee pain is limiting the life you want to live, it may be time to discuss the next steps. The aim of surgery is not just to fix a joint — it's to give you back your freedom of movement.