As we get older, it is common to experience aches and stiffness in our joints – especially the knees, which work hard every day carrying our weight, supporting movement and absorbing impact. But how do you know if knee pain is just a sign of ageing or if it’s something more serious, like the need for a knee replacement?
This guide outlines the symptoms to watch for, both for those living with knee problems and for family members who may be concerned about their relative’s mobility and quality of life.
Why Do People Need Knee Replacements?
Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended when the knee joint is badly worn, most often by osteoarthritis. Other conditions leading to knee replacement include rheumatoid arthritis or previous injury. Over time, the protective cartilage in the joint wears away, causing the bones to rub together. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities.
5 Symptoms That May Point to Needing a Knee Replacement
1. Persistent Pain
- Ongoing pain that doesn’t improve with rest, medication or physiotherapy.
- Pain that keeps you awake at night or disturbs your sleep.
- Discomfort even when sitting or lying down.
2. Stiffness and Limited Movement
- Struggling to bend or straighten your knee fully.
- Finding it difficult to get up from a chair, climb stairs or walk short distances.
- Needing extra support, like leaning on furniture, using a stick or avoiding outings because of mobility problems.
3. Swelling and Inflammation
- Frequent swelling around the knee that doesn’t go away with rest or ice.
- A feeling of warmth in the joint, even without obvious injury.
- Recurring fluid build-up (sometimes called “water on the knee”).
4. Grinding, Popping or “Bone-on-Bone” Sensation
- A grinding or crunching feeling when moving the knee (known as crepitus).
- Hearing clicks or pops that come with pain.
- A sense of the knee “giving way” or feeling unstable.
5. Impact on Daily Life and Wellbeing
Perhaps the most telling sign is the way knee pain interferes with everyday living:
- Struggling to enjoy hobbies like gardening, walking or playing with grandchildren.
- Avoiding social events because of mobility worries.
- Relying more on painkillers than you would like.
Signs Family Members Should Look Out For
If you’re the relative of someone in their 60s, 70s or 80s, keep an eye out for:
- Reluctance to walk far or take part in family outings.
- Frequent complaints of pain or tiredness.
- Using furniture for support when moving around the house.
- Emotional changes – frustration, sadness or withdrawal due to loss of independence.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you or your relative is experiencing several of the symptoms above, it is time to book an appointment with David Stitson, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon based in Plymouth. He can assess the severity of joint damage and advise whether treatments such as physiotherapy, injections or ultimately, knee replacement surgery are appropriate.
Get Private Orthopaedic Surgery in Plymouth in just 4-6 weeks
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⇒ Consultation to surgery, 4-6 weeks
Symptoms of Needing a Knee Replacement FAQs
Q: At what age can you have a knee replacement?
A: Most people who undergo knee replacement are between 60 and 80 years old, but suitability is based on health and severity of joint damage and not just age.
Q: How long is the recovery after a knee replacement?
A: Initial recovery usually takes around 6–12 weeks, though improvements in strength and mobility can continue for up to a year.
Q: Will a knee replacement stop the pain completely?
A: Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain and an improved ability to walk and enjoy daily life, though some mild stiffness may remain.
Q: Are there alternatives to knee replacement?
A: Yes — physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, medications and injections may help in the earlier stages. Surgery is usually considered when these treatments no longer provide relief.
Take the Next Step with Mr Stitson in Plymouth
Living with constant knee pain is not something you have to accept as part of ageing. Many people in their late 60s and 70s find that a private knee replacement restores their mobility and transforms their quality of life.
📞 To discuss your symptoms and explore whether knee replacement surgery is the right option for you, contact Mr David Stitson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, at the Nuffield Hospital, Plymouth.
- Call: 01752 761818
- Visit: www.orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
- Email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
Take the first step towards a more comfortable, active life today.
About Knee Surgery
Knee replacement surgery replaces the worn out, painful and stiff knee joint with a new prosthetic joint. This procedure which may be a partial or a total replacement is normally performed under spinal anaesthesia and is usually followed by a night or two in the hospital. Day-case knee replacement surgery may be an appropriate option for you.
About Mr Stitson
David Stitson is a Plymouth-based Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon. Trained both in the UK and internationally, he has worked in medicine for more than 20 years for the NHS, for the Royal Air Force and in private practice. Mr Stitson operates privately at the Nuffield Health Hospital, Plymouth.
