Hip and Knee Replacement – When is the Right Time? 

Is Joint Replacement Surgery Right for You? 

Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures in the U.S., with approximately 1.3 million knee and 760,000 hip replacements performed annually. As the population ages, these numbers are expected to gradually rise. Joint replacement is usually an elective procedure, most often chosen by people living with chronic joint pain that has not responded to other treatments. The decision to have surgery is personal and should be made in close collaboration with your physician, considering your pain level, lifestyle, and overall health.

How Do You Know If You Need a Hip or Knee Replacement? 

This is one of the most common questions we hear in our clinic. While every patient is different, physicians typically look at two key factors: 

• Pain Level: Is your joint pain interfering with daily activities, sleep, or your ability to stay active? Have you stopped doing things you enjoy because of it? 

• Imaging Results: X-rays or MRIs may show joint deterioration, arthritis, or bone-on-bone contact.  

If your pain affects your quality of life and conservative treatments have failed, joint replacement may be the next step.  

“The appropriate timing of surgery should always be patient centric. Discussion with a surgeon would be appropriate when non-surgical measures are not providing adequate relief, and your activity level is limited due to joint pain and dysfunction. Having to decline vacations, events, or other activities because of debilitating joint pain can be a thing of the past after joint replacement surgery,” Says Dr. Greg Slabaugh, an orthopedic surgeon at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics specializing in joint replacements.  

Are There Alternatives to Try Before Joint Replacement Surgery? 

Most physicians will recommend other treatments before surgery. This includes over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy, a brace, and injections. These approaches can offer temporary relief, and many patients benefit from them. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, your physician may recommend joint replacement to restore function and comfort.  

What Happens During Joint Replacement Surgery? 

Whether it is your hip or knee, the general approach to joint replacement surgery is similar:  

• Surgeons remove the damaged bone and cartilage and replace them with prosthetic components that replicate the natural movement of the joint. These components are made from metal, plastic, or ceramic and are designed to improve motion and reduce or eliminate pain.  

• Hip replacements often involve either a total (ball and socket) or partial replacement, depending on the extent of damage. Most surgeries are done under general or spinal anesthesia and last a few hours. You will begin physical therapy shortly after the procedure and often leave the hospital the same day or the following morning.  

How Long Do Joint Replacements Last? 

As medicine has improved, so has the lifespan of artificial knees and hips. A knee implant may last between 15-20 years, while a hip implant may last 10-15 years. However, implant longevity depends on several factors, including your activity level, weight, and overall health. Preparing for surgery with exercise, weight management, and a healthy lifestyle can improve your recovery and results.  

How Painful is a Joint Replacement? 

Every surgery and recovery is unique, but here is what many patients experience:  

Hip Replacement: Generally less painful with faster relief. Arthritis-related hip pain often goes away almost immediately and is replaced with temporary surgical soreness.  

Knee Replacement: Typically involves more post-operative discomfort, swelling, and stiffness. It requires more rehab, and some soreness may persist during recovery.  

This discomfort is part of the healing process and will improve with time, activity, and physical therapy, much like soreness after returning to the gym.  

What Is Recovery Like? 

Hip Replacement Recovery  

Hip replacements tend to be more predictable. Most patients:  

• Begin walking the same day or the next morning 

• Can bear weight with precautions  

• Attend physical therapy for about six weeks  

• See major improvement within three months 

• Expect a full recovery around 12 months, including increased strength and stamina  

 
Knee Replacement Recovery  

Recovery from knee replacement often takes longer and requires more rehab. Most patients:  

• Begin walking immediately after surgery  

• Participate in 6-8 weeks of physical therapy, depending on the case  

• Feel stiffness, especially after sitting for long periods, for the first few months 

• Notice numbness near the incision or a clicking in the knee, which are both normal  

“Recovery from joint replacement surgery can seem daunting; however, with newer techniques including multimodal pain control, early therapy, and close supervision by your care team, patients are progressing quicker than ever before,” Says Dr. Greg Slabaugh. 

Can You Return to Normal Activities After Joint Replacement? 

Yes, in many cases, you can return to the activities you enjoyed before surgery. Most surgeons do not put long-term restrictions into place; however, your new joint and the surrounding soft tissue may take time to adjust. It is best to ease back into activities and listen to your body. If you were not participating in high-impact sports or intense exercise before surgery, be cautious about starting those afterward. Even with a new joint, issues like tendonitis or bursitis can still occur.  

Should Some Patients Undergo Joint Replacement Surgery Sooner Rather Than later? 

In the past, physicians advised younger or more active patients to wait before having a joint replacement. Today, surgeons may recommend earlier intervention, especially if:  

• Your symptoms and imaging results align  

• You’re otherwise in good health 

• Pain is limiting your lifestyle and mobility  

Delaying surgery until you’re immobile can make recovery more difficult. The goal is to help you enjoy more years with a pain-free, functional joint.  

Are There People Who May Not Be a Good Candidate? 

Age alone is rarely a limiting factor. However, mental health and cognitive function can influence outcomes. For example, patients with dementia may do better with hip replacement than knee replacement because the hip typically requires less intensive rehab. Successful recovery from knee replacement depends heavily on consistent physical therapy and following post-op care instructions.  

Contact Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Today 

Don’t let persistent hip or knee pain prevent you from living a happy, active life. Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics offers solutions, including hip and knee replacement surgery at our locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville, and Tipton, IN. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the path toward better mobility.