Walking, climbing stairs, or simply getting up from a chair — these everyday movements can become painful or difficult when your knees fail you. Often, that’s a signal it may be time to consult a knee surgeon.
Why People Seek a Knee Surgeon
Persistent knee pain, swelling, stiffness or limited mobility — even after trying rest, medicine or physical therapy — can indicate more serious problems. Common underlying issues include advanced arthritis, torn cartilage or meniscus, ligament injuries, or previous trauma that damaged the knee joint.
If the pain is severe, chronic, or interfering with daily life (walking, sleeping, or routine tasks), or if non-surgical treatments no longer help — these are strong signs you should get evaluated by a qualified surgeon.
What a Knee Surgeon Can Do: Treatment Options
A skilled knee surgeon can offer a range of treatments — from minimally invasive procedures to full joint replacement. For some patients with meniscal tears or ligament damage, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery — sometimes called arthroscopy — may be used to repair or trim damaged tissue.
For more severe or degenerative conditions — especially cases of arthritis, worn-out cartilage, or advanced joint damage — the surgeon might recommend a partial or total knee replacement. In that procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are removed, and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic — designed to restore smooth, pain-free joint motion.
What to Expect from Knee Replacement
During a knee replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the knee, removes damaged bone/cartilage, and implants new surfaces on the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap (as needed). The procedure usually lasts about 1–2 hours.
After surgery, the recovery and rehabilitation are crucial. Physical therapy, gradual weight bearing, and following postoperative instructions help restore mobility. Patients often regain significantly improved function and reduced pain compared to their pre-surgery condition.
Questions to Ask a Knee Surgeon
Before committing to surgery — or even to a consultation — it’s smart to come prepared. Some important questions include:
- What type of surgery (arthroscopy, partial replacement, total replacement) is truly needed for my condition?
- What are the possible risks or complications? (e.g. infection, implant wear, need for revision)
- What will recovery look like — timeline, restrictions, rehabilitation plan?
- Are there non-surgical alternatives that might still work (physical therapy, lifestyle changes, pain management)?
Having a frank discussion helps align expectations and ensures you make informed decisions.
When to Consider Surgery
You might consider turning to a knee surgeon if:
- Pain and stiffness have become chronic and limit daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping.
- Your knee shows signs of deformity or instability (bowing, misalignment, inability to bear weight).
- Nonsurgical measures — medication, physical therapy, injections, rest — no longer relieve symptoms.
- You’ve had a significant injury — fracture, torn ligament, cartilage damage — and functionality remains compromised.
If you or someone you care about is facing persistent knee pain, stiffness, or limited mobility — and you’re exploring surgical options — it makes sense to consult experienced professionals. For comprehensive knee-care evaluation, surgical consultation, and follow-up services, consider visiting https://orthoneuro.com/ — where a qualified knee surgeon can help determine the best path to get you moving comfortably again.