Have you been considering knee joint replacement surgery for a while, but aren't quite ready to make your final decision? That concern is understandable, considering that any major surgery can be scary. However, there are certain times when this type of surgery is critical. Here are four situations when replacement surgery may be necessary.

1. Your Pain Keeps Getting Worse

Joint pain can be one of the worst types of pain possible and it often has the potential to only get worse. For example, you might develop bone-on-bone pain that makes it nearly impossible to walk comfortably without wincing. Thankfully, knee joint surgery may help. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), about 90% of people who have this specific surgery experience a significant pain reduction that improves their lives.

2. Day-to-Day Life Is Impossible

Do you have difficulty doing things like getting up in the morning or even standing up while you shower because of your knee pain? Your quality of life has likely severely decreased. You might feel like there's little you can do. Replacing your knee joint might be the best option because it can significantly reduce your pain and help you live a comfortable life again without constantly impacting your daily routine.

3. Other Methods Just Haven't Worked

Have you tried joint injections and pain medications, but your knee still hurts regularly? If you answered yes to that question, you should think about knee joint replacement surgery. Your doctor probably suggested the prior options because they're more conservative and less invasive than surgery. However, they may only work to a certain point. A knee joint replacement can ensure that long-term suffering isn't a problem.

4. Your Active Life Is Affected

Are you the type of person who loves walking, running, hiking, kayaking, and otherwise staying physically active? A bad knee can devastate your life and make it hard to enjoy yourself. As a result, replacement surgery may be incredibly constructive to your physical health. It may not only minimize your pain but improve your mental health as well! A new knee joint can let you do the types of things that you love to do again.

If you fall under any of these situations, you should consider talking to your doctor about a knee joint replacement procedure. This process might seem scary or too invasive, but modern advancements have made it safer and more effective than ever. So, please call your doctor right away if you think that this type of surgery is a great option for your individual needs. If you're interested in looking into a knee joint replacement procedure, contact Cascade Orthopedic Specialists today!