How do I know when knee pain may require knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement is typically considered only after conservative treatments haven't provided enough relief, and it's usually reserved for advanced arthritis or significant joint damage. Signs that your knee pain may be reaching that point include:

• Pain that persists even at rest, not just with activity
• Significant loss of mobility that limits daily tasks like stairs or standing from a chair
• Visible joint deformity or bone-on-bone contact seen on imaging
• Little to no improvement after physical therapy, injections, or medication

Even when replacement becomes a realistic option, Dr. Newfield will walk you through where you stand and what alternatives may still be worth trying first.