Knee pain is very common, and on its own it isn’t a reason for surgery. Most people with knee arthritis manage well for years with exercise, weight management, pain relief and, for some, injections.
A knee replacement is worth discussing when pain and stiffness are affecting your sleep, your work or the things you enjoy, and simpler treatments are no longer helping enough.
Signs it may be time to talk about surgery
These are not rules, just prompts for a conversation with your surgeon.
- Pain most days, or pain that wakes you at night
- Difficulty walking, using stairs or getting out of a chair
- Stiffness or swelling that limits what you can do
- Little benefit from physiotherapy, medicines or injections
“The right time for a knee replacement is a personal decision. I’ll give you the facts, and you decide what fits your life.”
Mr Mounir Hakimi
Partial or total replacement?
If arthritis affects only one part of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be possible. It can mean a quicker recovery for some patients, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. Mr Hakimi will explain which option suits your knee and why.
What recovery looks like
Most people walk with support the day after surgery and go home within a few days. Recovery continues for several months, with physiotherapy playing a big part. Everyone recovers at their own pace.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personal medical advice.