How Do I Know That I Need A Knee Replacement?

Benoy Benny, M.D., Director, Spine, Sports and Pain Program, Baylor College of Medicine

November 12, 2008

Question: How Do I Know That I Need A Knee Replacement?

Answer: People who require knee replacements are generally older people. Now that does not exclude younger people having knee replacements.

You will know if you need a knee replacement if you've gone through the conservative care needed to manage your knee, if you have been diagnosed with the appropriate diagnosis for needing a knee replacement.

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How Do I Know I Need A Knee Replacement? Watch Video

So the most common type of diagnosis really requiring a knee replacement is a person who has osteoarthritis. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis as well as traumatic knee injuries that can cause severe pain that's refractory to medications or injections.

Usually after conservative care fails and your function is still not back to where it was before, you have difficulty walking and you have extreme amount of pain, then you should consider a knee replacement.

Next: What Are Various Kinds Of Knee Replacements And What Are The Pros/Cons Of Each?

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