Q: I’m an active person, but my knee has been giving me trouble for a while now. I’ve tried everything—physical therapy, injections, even cutting back on some activities—but the pain isn’t going away. My doctor mentioned knee replacement, but I’m only in my 50s! Do I really need a full knee replacement, or is there another option?
A: You are not alone! A lot of active people get to a point where their knee pain isn’t just annoying—it’s keeping them from doing the things they love. There is good news though. Not all knee replacements are the same and you might not need a full replacement just yet.
Think of your knee like a three-part hinge: the inside, the outside, and the area under your kneecap. If only one of these three parts of your knee is damaged, a partial knee replacement might be an option. It’s kind of like patching a worn section of a tire instead of replacing the whole thing. The surgeon only resurfaces the damaged portion, leaving the rest of your knee intact. This means a less invasive surgery, potential for a faster recovery, and a more “natural” feel when you get back to your active life.
On the other hand, if your knee pain is widespread—meaning multiple areas are worn down, and things like walking or climbing stairs are challenging—you will likely be better off going with a total knee replacement. This is a bigger surgery, but for people with more advanced arthritis, it can be a game-changer, eliminating years of pain and stiffness.
So how do you know which one is right for you? The best way is to talk with your doctor about your symptoms, hobbies, goals of treatment, and getting imaging (such as X-rays or an MRI) to see what’s really going on. If most of your knee is still in good shape, meaning you have localized symptoms with corresponding findings on an X-ray and MRI, a partial replacement could be all you need to get back in the game. If the damage is more widespread, a full knee replacement might be the better long-term fix.
Either way, knee pain doesn’t have to be the end of your active lifestyle. With the right treatment, you can get back to doing what you love—without wincing every time you take a step.
Josh Lawson, MD
Fellowship Trained Total Joint Replacement Specialist
Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
Call (423) 624-2696 or click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lawson.
