Knee replacement is not based on age, but on a person’s level of pain and immobility.

14 million Americans have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and 50% will need knee replacement in their lifetime.² Yet many Americans choose years of conservative care (physical therapy, drugs, injections) to lessen, but not eliminate, their joint pain. If everyday activities are causing pain and interfering with your daily life, you may benefit from talking with an orthopaedic surgeon, no matter what your age.

Many patients who could benefit greatly from a knee replacement are worried that they will not be able to comfortably and confidently return to their normal activities of daily living. In fact, delaying surgery lowers a patient’s quality of life not only before the operation, but even for up to two years following surgery according to a study in Arthritis & Rheumatism.¹⁴ However, there is a higher probability that younger patients may need to undergo a second knee replacement later in life. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that continues to damage the joint and delaying surgery makes both surgery and return to activity more difficult.

Today, knee replacement patients have a choice of knee implant types as well as a variety of implant shapes and sizes designed to accommodate specific needs and different lifestyles. There are also advanced technologies that may be used during your surgery. Talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about your individual needs.

A majority of patients who undergo total knee replacement experience a reduction of knee pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform common activities of daily living.¹⁵  Read real patient stories and hear how having their knee replaced has helped them regain their quality of life.

Recovery is a gradual process, and each patient recovers differently. You will continue the exercises you began in the hospital or surgery center and gradually increase the number and duration of the exercises. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to activities like walking without a cane, walker, or crutches; driving a car; and returning to work.  

As you progress in your recovery, you may be ready to explore some knee-friendly sports or leisure activities, such as walking, bike riding, golf, moderate hiking, dancing, doubles tennis, rowing, bowling, yoga, boating/canoeing, or swimming (once your wound has completely healed). Before returning to activity, you should talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about whether these activities are appropriate for you. Review the Your Journey Through Recovery brochure for additional information.