Does Your Knee Need an Upgrade?

February 24, 2026

A woman sitting on a bench holding her knee

Categories: Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery

Top five signs it’s time for total knee replacement surgery

Does your knee snap, crackle and pop more than your breakfast cereal? Have everyday activities started to feel like endurance events? Does your knee pain control your day’s agenda more than you do?

If OTC pain medication, physical therapy and cortisone shots have stopped relieving your knee pain, maybe it’s time to talk to the experts at Witham Orthopedics and Sports Medicine about knee replacement surgery.

“When the diagnosis is arthritis, we try non-operative options first. When you've exhausted those non-operative options, that's when you begin discussing surgery,” says Terrance Devlin, M.D. Dr. Devlin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Witham Orthopedic Associates, Lebanon.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

During knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon replaces damaged or deteriorated portions of your knee joint with new, artificial parts. More than 700,000 total knee replacement surgeries are performed every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

For many people, the procedure:

Reduces pain
Increases mobility
Improves their quality of life

There is no “right” time to have knee replacement surgery. Although the surgery is more common in older adults, people of all ages can have knee replacement surgery. The decision to proceed with the procedure should be made in collaboration with your healthcare team, based on:

Your pain level and its effect on your daily life
Your health history
Your health goals and concerns

Timing is Everything

Total knee replacement surgery is a safe, effective treatment option. However, like any surgery, the decision to have the procedure should not be taken lightly. Here are the top five signs it’s time to consider the benefits of total knee replacement surgery.

Persistent, Severe Knee Pain

Constant, worsening pain that doesn’t improve with medication or physical therapy is one of the most common signs you need a knee replacement. Often, the pain is present even when you’re resting or doing minimal activities.

When your knee pain interferes with your daily routine and interrupts your sleep, it’s time to schedule a visit with your physician to discuss whether knee replacement surgery is for you.

"In orthopedic surgery, what we are trying to do, probably more than any other specialty, is minimize pain and restore mobility," says Dr. Devlin.

Difficulty Performing Everyday Activities

Severe knee pain and stiffness can make even the most mundane activity seem like a major production. If taking a short walk, climbing stairs or getting up from your favorite chair are all painful experiences, it could be a sign that your knee joint isn't functioning correctly.

“My philosophy on total joint replacement is that the purpose of the procedure is mobility. Mobility is important for an active lifestyle, and so the quicker the patient can get up and get moving and increase their range of motion and their strength, the quicker they can get back to the lifestyle that they desire,.” says Dr. Devlin.

Persistent Swelling and Inflammation

Swelling and inflammation that don't go away with rest and treatment can be a sign of joint damage. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if your knee joints begin to show increased signs of wear and tear.

Decreased Function and Mobility

If the condition of your knee joint continues to worsen, it can reduce your ability to fully bend or straighten your knee. You may have trouble balancing and your knee will "give out" with little or no warning. Reduced function often makes it more challenging to stay active, maintain muscle strength and enjoy everyday life. In many cases, knee replacement surgery not only offers a dramatic reduction in your pain but also increases your ability to go about your day.

Your Doctor Recommends Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended when other treatment options have not provided the needed relief from knee pain. If you’ve tried pain medication, injections, physical therapy, braces and supportive devices and none have given you the results you’re looking for, it could mean your knee joint has reached the stage where knee replacement is the best option.

Ready to take the next step?

If knee pain is limiting your mobility and keeping you from doing the things you love, don’t wait to explore your options. The orthopedic specialists at Witham Orthopedics and Sports Medicine will evaluate and diagnose the source of your knee pain, walk you through the available treatment options and help you determine the care plan that best fits your goals, lifestyle and needs.

Featured Expert

Terrance Devlin, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Witham Orthopedic Associates in Lebanon, Indiana. He specializes in both non-surgical and surgical treatment options and takes a patient-centered approach to care that results in reduced pain, restored mobility and faster return to the activities you enjoy.