How To Know If I Need Surgery for My Knee? Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Widely recognized as one of the most effective and successful surgical procedures in modern medicine, knee replacement surgery has transformed the lives of millions by relieving chronic pain and restoring mobility. With advancements in surgical techniques and implant technology, knee replacement now offers improved longevity, faster recovery, and enhanced overall outcomes, making it a preferred solution for those struggling with debilitating knee conditions.
However, 'How to know if I need surgery for my knee?' is a major question that weighs heavily on the minds of most patients, often leading them to delay the procedure for years while enduring pain and limited mobility.
The blog aims to address this critical concern by providing insights into the key factors that determine the ideal timing for surgery, including the severity of symptoms, impact on daily life, and frequently asked questions regarding knee replacement.
By shedding light on the signs and symptoms to be considered before finalizing surgery and the benefits of timely intervention, this article will help patients make informed decisions by answering the question - how to know if I need surgery for my knee, and take a step toward a pain-free, active life.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged or worn-out parts of the knee joint with artificial components. The procedure is typically recommended for individuals suffering from severe arthritis or joint degeneration, where pain and stiffness significantly impact mobility and quality of life, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and rising from a chair challenging. The procedure helps relieve pain, restore function and mobility, and improve joint range of motion.
Made of metal & plastic, the prosthesis or the knee implants come in a wide variety, and the choice of implant and surgical techniques for knee replacement depends on several factors, including the patient's age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.
Types of Surgery
Depending on the extent of damage, a partial or total knee replacement may be performed. In cases where only a portion of the knee is damaged, a partial knee replacement may be performed, replacing only the affected area. However, if the entire joint is compromised, a total knee replacement is necessary, involving the reshaping of the thighbone and shinbone and resurfacing the joint.
A comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist, including physical examination, assessment of medical history and symptoms, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scan, etc. help determine a patient's candidacy and the right type of Knee replacement surgery.
Surgery Procedure
The knee replacement surgery procedure typically entails four key steps.
First, the damaged cartilage on the ends of the femur and tibia or the thigh and shin bone, along with a small portion of the underlying bone, is carefully removed to prepare the joint.
Next, metal implants are positioned to replace the lost cartilage and bone, restoring the joint's surface—these implants can be secured using cement or a press-fit technique.
Further, the patella or the kneecap by trimming its undersurface and capping it with a plastic button, though in some cases, surgeons may opt not to resurface it.
Finally, a medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to ensure smooth movement and reduce friction, completing the reconstruction of the knee joint.
Indications for Knee Replacement Surgery
This section is essential to know the answer to the question - how to know if I need surgery for my knee. The various conditions where knee replacement surgery is indicated are:
- Advanced cases of Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis due to Knee Injury
- Haemophilia
Though these conditions do necessitate the need for knee replacement surgery, the choice and timing to undergo the procedure involves thoughtful consideration of various factors that are specific to each person.
The right time to undergo knee replacement surgery can be determined by considering the following factors:
Age Considerations and Over-all Health
Although knee replacement is typically advisable for individuals aged between 50 to 80, sedentary lifestyles have led to an increasing number of younger patients experiencing knee joint issues. Conditions such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and repetitive stress on the joints have contributed to earlier onset of knee arthritis, making knee replacement surgery a viable option for those under 50 as well. Advances in surgical techniques and improved implant technology have made it possible to perform knee replacements successfully in these younger individuals, helping them regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Associated Health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc can also greatly impact the decision and timing of when to undergo knee replacement surgery. The overall health parameters need to be in control before deciding the right time to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Knee Deformity: Deformities like knock knees or bones bending inward or outward typically indicate an advanced stage of arthritis. In these cases, knee replacement surgery can be the most effective solution to realign the joint and restore proper function.
Persistent Swelling: Persistent swelling of the knees suggests degeneration of the cartilage and/or instability of the knee, which may not respond to traditional treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, etc. making the patient a candidate for knee replacement.
Non-Efficacy of Conservative Treatments: Conservative treatments like NSAIDS, steroid injections, lubricant injections, physical therapy, and rest are often the treatments of choice in the preliminary stages of arthritis. However, as the disease progresses these temporary measures which only provide pain relief and do not treat the underlying cause of pain stop working, rendering these types of treatments ineffective and indicating the need for surgery.
Disruption of Daily Activities: Knee replacement surgery is often considered when pain significantly interferes with daily activities, even with the regular use of pain relief medications. For surgery to be considered, the patient should experience pain that:
- Severely limits their ability to perform routine tasks like bathing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, climbing stairs, etc.
- Forcing the patient to stay at home more or avoid physical activity altogether
- Need a cane to move around
- Sleep disruption causing trouble at night.
Extent of Pain: Pain is often manageable with medication or other non-surgical treatments in the initial stages of arthritis. Persistent, intense pain that occurs most of the time is a sign that the knees require more than medical intervention and surgery may be required. If the pain continues even at rest and the patient finds it difficult to get out of the bed or freely move around, knee replacement surgery might be strongly indicated.
These factors collectively signal the need for a more permanent solution, such as knee replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions- Knee Replacement Surgery
1) How to know if I need surgery for my knee?
If you have unmanageable pain that is interfering with your day-to-day activities, limited mobility, persistent stiffness, and swelling that do not improve with medication, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments, it is time for you to undergo surgery.
You need to consult a qualified orthopedic surgeon who will assess your knee condition through a physical examination, go through your medical history, and get imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, to judge your candidacy for the surgery. As a general rule, if treatments like pain relievers, steroid injections, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications like weight loss have failed to provide you relief, you may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery.
2) What are the knee replacement surgery implants made of?
Typically, the implants are made of a metal and medical-grade plastic called polyethylene. However, there can be variations depending on the type of knee replacement, the patient's specific needs, and the surgeon's preference. Some implants may use ceramic components or advanced polyethylene materials designed for greater durability and reduced wear over time.
3) Will my pain be gone after the knee replacement surgery?
You will have some pain after surgery however, this pain will likely feel different from what you experienced before surgery and will gradually improve over time. You will be given pain medication for a few days after surgery, which will help manage discomfort and aid in a smoother recovery. Your doctor will adjust the dosage or type of medication based on your pain levels and overall progress.
4) I have been waiting for a year to get the knee replacement surgery done in my country, what do I do?
If you are struggling with pain and still have been waiting for a year to get knee replacement surgery in your country, you can explore options like Medical Tourism whereby you can choose to travel abroad for your knee replacement surgery. Countries like India offer high-quality medical care with Board certified surgeons, at affordable prices without any waiting times.
5) How long would I need to stay if I choose knee replacement abroad?
A stay of 2-3 weeks is usually sufficient for your surgery and initial recovery if you are undergoing a single or unilateral knee replacement. However, if you require a bilateral knee replacement, your stay may need to be extended, depending on whether both knees are operated on simultaneously or separately.
6) Can I get both knee joint replacement surgeries done at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to undergo bilateral knee replacement, where both knee joints are replaced in a single surgical procedure. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, surgical techniques, and anesthesia, many patients opt for simultaneous knee replacement to restore mobility and reduce overall recovery time.
However, if you have underlying health conditions such as heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or respiratory issues, your doctor may recommend staged knee replacement—where each knee is operated on separately, allowing adequate recovery time between procedures.
A comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation will determine whether simultaneous knee replacement is suitable for you.
Knee Replacement Success Stories with IndiCure in India
When you know that you need a surgery for your knee, you may find yourself in a situation where you are either on a long waiting list or have a large co-pay or just don't have an insurance cover for it. The high cost of the knee surgery procedure in private healthcare of countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. often makes it financially out of reach for many, especially for those who wish to undergo knee replacement without insurance.
This is where medical tourism to India with IndiCure Health Tours offers an exceptional alternative—high-quality knee replacement surgery at a fraction of the cost. IndiCure Health Tours is one of the most trusted medical tourism facilitators, providing meticulously planned joint surgery packages that combine affordability with world-class medical care, allowing you to restore mobility without financial strain. With access to internationally accredited hospitals, highly experienced orthopedic surgeons, and end-to-end coordination, IndiCure ensures a smooth, hassle-free, and rewarding journey to recovery.
Here, we share inspiring knee replacement success stories of international patients who traveled to India for life-changing knee replacement surgeries with IndiCure Health Tours.
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Knee Surgery Tourism Reviews in India: A Kiwi's Story of Joint Replacement Surgery
Mr. Jon Winter from Auckland, New Zealand, sought knee replacement abroad due to high costs at home. After thorough research, he chose IndiCure Health Tours for their trusted services. From consultations to post-op care, IndiCure ensured a seamless experience. Here's what Jon has to say about his journey -
"IndiCure organized everything—from transport between the hotel and hospital to appointments with the surgeon. They were always there to guide me, helping me with the complexities of navigating a foreign healthcare system. In Mumbai, where I had my surgery, it can be overwhelming as a foreigner. IndiCure's team made sure I wasn't lost—whether it was knowing which floor to go to, who to speak with, or even overcoming language barriers. Their local expertise was invaluable."
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An American's Medical Tourism Company Reviews in India
Ms. Andrea struggled with severe knee pain, but U.S. doctors required her to lose 100 pounds before surgery. With limited mobility and a $32,570 price tag, she sought alternatives. Determined to regain her independence, she discovered IndiCure Health Tours for affordable knee replacement abroad. She credited the company's expertise and compassionate approach for making her solo journey to India not just successful but also deeply fulfilling. Here's what Ms. Andrea has to say -
"Throughout my stay, IndiCure went above and beyond. Whenever I needed anything, they were just a phone call away. From transportation to personalized care, they delivered everything they promised—and more. Even after the surgery, they offered to arrange leisure trips around India for me to explore the country. While I appreciated the offer, I was so excited to return home and show off my brand-new knees."
Thanks to IndiCure, I've regained my freedom and happiness. I can now stand and walk without a cane, and I feel like I've been given a new lease on life. I can't thank them enough for their incredible support and care. If I could give them more than five stars, I would—they deserve 50 stars for the exceptional service they provide!"
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An Aussie's Story of Medical Tourism Orthopedic Surgery in India
When the high cost of orthopedic surgery in Australia put Mr. Peter Patterson's health at risk, he and his wife, Helen, looked abroad. Choosing India, they turned to IndiCure Health Tours, whose seamless planning and support turned a daunting journey into a stress-free experience.
"My surgery was a robotic total knee replacement, performed in a state-of-the-art orthopedic hospital in India by a highly skilled medical team. The results were exceptional. I was up and walking within just four days of the surgery. The advanced technology and the expertise of the best orthopedic surgeon in India were crucial to my swift and smooth recovery"
If you too are waiting for a much-needed knee replacement surgery with deteriorated quality of life, join the many delighted medical tourists like the ones above who have regained mobility and improved their quality of life through IndiCure's trusted expertise for knee replacement surgery tourism.
Still wondering - how to know if I need surgery for my knee? Or You are sure you need a knee replacement surgery but can't afford it locally, Contact IndiCure Health Tours today to get all your questions answered and to plan your medical tour to India for affordable knee replacement surgery.
