When is it time for a knee replacement?
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I have osteoarthritis. My right knee is especially painful and stiff. How do I know when the time is right for knee replacement surgery?To help with the decision, your orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist (an arthritis expert) will review your symptoms, the extent of joint damage, how much the joint problems limit your daily activities and how well you have responded to nonsurgical treatments. The main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness. If you have only mild discomfort during the day, the amount of improvement you might get from surgery probably won't be worth the risks. Moderate to severe pain points to a possible need for joint replacement, especially if other treatments have not been effective.
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