I Have Osteoarthritis in My Knee: Do I Need a Knee Replacement?

Knee osteoarthritis can make everyday activities like walking and even getting out of a chair feel painful and frustrating. If you’re dealing with stiffness, swelling, and chronic discomfort, you’ve probably wondered if it’s time to get a knee replacement. 

The good news is, surgery isn’t always your only option. At Cleaver Medical Group Interventional Pain in Cumming, Dahlonega, and Dawsonville, Georgia, our board-certified specialist, Miranda Reed Cleaver, DO, and our team can help you explore when it’s time to consider knee replacement and what alternatives you can try first. 

What is knee osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, caused by wear-and-tear of the cartilage in your joints. When the cartilage in your knee breaks down, bones rub together, leading to: 

• Pain and stiffness
• Swelling and inflammation
• Decreased range of motion
• A grinding or popping sensation in the joint

While OA is progressive (meaning it worsens over time), early treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression. 

Nonsurgical treatment options 

Before considering surgery, many people find relief through conservative treatments. Depending on your symptoms, our team might recommend: 

Physical therapy

Strengthens the muscles around your knee, improving support and stability. 

Weight management

Losing even a small amount of weight can reduce pressure on your knee joint. 

Medications

Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and inflammation. 

Joint injections

Options such as corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid (gel) injections, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can help lubricate the joint and ease pain. 

Nerve blocks

A genicular nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that alleviates knee pain by blocking the genicular nerves in your knee. A genicular radiofrequency ablation uses radiofrequency energy to disintegrate the genicular nerves that are causing osteoarthritic pain.

Assistive devices 

Braces or orthotics can relieve pressure on the joint during daily activities. 

When to consider knee replacement 

If nonsurgical treatments aren’t providing enough relief, it might be time to talk to Dr. Cleaver about knee replacement surgery. Consider this option if: 

• Pain significantly limits your daily activities
• You’re experiencing constant pain, even at rest
• Knee stiffness makes walking or bending difficult
• Swelling and inflammation don’t improve with medication or rest
• You’ve tried injections and physical therapy without long-term relief

Knee replacement is a common, safe procedure that can restore mobility and significantly reduce pain, but it’s typically recommended when other treatments haven’t worked. 

What happens during knee replacement surgery? 

Knee replacement surgery removes damaged cartilage and bone, replacing them with metal and plastic components that function like a natural joint. Depending on your condition, our team may recommend a total knee replacement, which replaces the entire joint, or a partial knee replacement, which targets only the damaged area. Most patients recover within a few months and experience long-term relief from pain as well as improved mobility. 

Every patient’s situation is unique, and the decision to pursue surgery should be made with guidance from Dr. Cleaver. Together, you can create a treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. 

If you’re ready to discover if knee replacement surgery is the right solution for you, call us at 770-872-6179 to schedule an appointment with our team today.