Arthroscopy: How To Tell It's Time To Replace Your Knee

3. Inability To Perform Daily Functions

Daily activity, including grooming, walking, and chores can be hindered by serious knee issues. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs is long-term, have to be taken often, and may not provide enough relief to carry on into the future. When it is determined they are not doing the trick, it becomes necessary to use mobility devices for daily functions, and sleep patterns are impeded, a knee replacement is considered. The outcome will be relief from consistent pain and swelling.

2. Bone-On-Bone Arthritis

A doctor will require x-rays to determine if the arthritis has progressed to the bone-on-bone stage. At this point, it is worth considering a knee replacement. For those with arthritis which shows only a deterioration of cartilage, it is probably not the best option. There are other treatment methods, and the arthroscopy may not result in a satisfactory replacement. When the bones are rubbing against each other, it causes extreme pain and damage.