Chronic knee pain can gradually take away mobility, independence, and comfort in everyday life. When conservative care stops working, some patients begin to wonder whether a knee replacement may be necessary. At the practice of Sarkis Bedikian, DO, patients in Palos Hills and Mokena receive expert evaluation to determine when surgery may be appropriate and which approach best fits their condition. Here’s how you can know when knee replacement may become part of the treatment conversation.
Ongoing Knee Pain That Does Not Respond to Treatment
Persistent knee pain is often the first sign that the joint damage has progressed beyond what conservative care can address. If medications, injections, activity modification, or physical therapy no longer provide meaningful relief, the underlying problem may be worsening.
This is especially common in patients with advanced arthritis. In late-stage osteoarthritis, the cartilage that normally protects joints begins to wear down. Like tread on a tire, layers of it wear off until the joint is down to the bone, aka “bone-on-bone” arthritis.
This can cause intense inflammation and pain that may occur even at rest or during sleep.
Loss of Mobility and Daily Function
When knee pain interferes with walking, climbing stairs, rising from a seated position, or maintaining balance, it can significantly affect quality of life.
Many patients begin avoiding activities they once enjoyed or rely on support to move around. Reduced range of motion and increasing stiffness are often signs that the joint is no longer moving or functioning smoothly.
Instability or Changes in Knee Alignment
A feeling that your knee may give out at any time or visible changes in leg alignment can indicate structural joint damage.
Swelling that doesn’t improve, catching or locking sensations, or leg bowing may suggest advanced degeneration that requires prompt treatment. These changes often signal that surgical intervention should be considered.
When You Have Lingering Knee Pain, What Happens Next?
The next step is a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Bedikian, including a medical history review, a physical examination, and X-rays to assess joint condition and alignment. Based on these findings, treatment options are discussed in detail.
Dr. Bedikian performs both partial and total knee replacement. Partial knee replacement may be appropriate when damage is limited to one compartment of the joint, while total knee replacement is used when multiple compartments are affected. He offers the advanced Jiffy Knee Replacement, a muscle- and tendon-sparing technique that moves tissues aside rather than cutting them. This approach reduces tissue disruption, typically leading to less pain and an earlier recovery when paired with proper physical therapy.
Call 708-237-7200 to book your appointment with Dr. Bedikian to learn more about how a knee replacement could help you reclaim your quality of life.
