Who is knee replacement for?
Knee replacement can improve knee problems associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other degenerative conditions, such as avascular necrosis — a condition in which obstructed blood flow causes your bone tissue to die. Knee replacement may help you if: You have pain that limits activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs, or you experience moderate or severe knee pain at rest. You have limited function or mobility, such as chronic knee stiffness and swelling that prevent you from bending and straightening your knee. You’ve tried other methods to improve symptoms, for example resting, weight loss, physical therapy, medications, braces and surgery, but they’ve failed. You have a knee deformity, such as a joint that bows in or out. You’re age 55 or older. Knee replacement is typically performed in older adults, but it may be considered for adults of all ages. Young, physically active people are more likely to wear out their new knee prematu