Knee Replacement - What Do The Symptoms Feel Like - Update At Bottom

[Calamity Kris]

I have had severe swelling in one knee for a couple of weeks now.  It is to the point of keeping me up at night because there is no way to lie comfortably.  It does not want to  bend, I have swelling from mid-calf to mid-thigh and it generally aches.  A lot.  I saw my rheumatologist on Friday for my annual auto-immune checkup and she noticed the swelling.  She did some looking at it and determined I am likely looking at a knee replacement.  She put in a referral for orthopedics and we moved on.   My question is, if I were looking at a knee replacement, wouldn't I feel bone-on-bone grinding?  I don't feel anything like that.  I do have a lot of lateral movement, which I know is not good.  I can't put a lot of weight on it without it collapsing.  I'm curious because I want to make sure the correct treatment is being pursued.  

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

When I was in college playing football, I tore some cartilage in one of my knees. It swelled up with lots of fluid and no grinding. If that's what you have, if it's not too bad, it can be repaired without replacing the knee. I had my other knee arthroscopically repaired where they just make a couple of small holes and go in and clean up the joint. It lasted about 5 years and I had to have a replacement knee.....now I have a matching set....LOL!

[Rye Miles #13621]

I’ve had those symptoms 12 years ago and it was a torn meniscus and some other damage to the ligaments. I had arthroscopic surgery same day went home. I now have just plain old arthritis!

Check this out

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/meniscus-tear-injury

This may be  what you have .????

[The Shoer 27979]

My left knee needs replaced because of arthritis, Dr told me my knee cap is out of track or something like that. I dont have any swelling and didn't always have any pain while walking. I also on occasion can't sleep at night because of it. I got a cortisone shoot in my knee and it fells a lot better but it is only temporary, till I lose some weight for them to operate 

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

Kris, the only way to tell is a visit with an orthopedist who will order some imaging. A number of issues can produce the symptoms you describe. You’ll have better answers after the imaging. 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

24 minutes ago, Abilene Slim SASS 81783 said:

Kris, the only way to tell is a visit with an orthopedist who will order some imaging. A number of issues can produce the symptoms you describe. You’ll have better answers after the imaging. 

^^^^ GET TO YOUR DOC, ASAP! 

[Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103]

IF -- not when, IF -- you have to have one or both knees replaced, I'd bet money your reaction would be the same as every last knee replacement patient I ever worked with in Ortho Rehab:
"If I'd known how much better it would feel, I'd have had it replaced before it went bad!"

Realistically -- Abilene Slim and Lumpy Gritz both said it right -- have it sized up by a good ortho doc, because knee treatment has both advanced, and improved, since the days when I still wore nursing white! 

[Calamity Kris]

I had very similar symptoms 15 years ago when I suffered a bad dislocation from a fall.  They did arthroscopic surgery after two years of less invasive {(costly) read managed care} treatments.  At the time of the surgery, she said my knee was much worse than she originally thought and I probably should have had surgery sooner.  I was told two years ago that there was still some debris in my knee and it may eventually cause some more problems.  Here I am. 

 

Thanks for all your advice.  I guess I'm still a little skiddish about going through more years of pain so the doctor can save the insurance company money.   

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

19 minutes ago, Calamity Kris said:

I had very similar symptoms 15 years ago when I suffered a bad dislocation from a fall.  They did arthroscopic surgery after two years of less invasive {(costly) read managed care} treatments.  At the time of the surgery, she said my knee was much worse than she originally thought and I probably should have had surgery sooner.  I was told two years ago that there was still some debris in my knee and it may eventually cause some more problems.  Here I am. 

 

Thanks for all your advice.  I guess I'm still a little skiddish about going through more years of pain so the doctor can save the insurance company money.   

DO IT ASAP! 

Or I'll turn Ima Schofield loose on you! 

[Rip Snorter]

Might be worth the trouble to get an opinion from a different Ortho practice.  Still fighting one that needs replacement but much easier than your situation.  Just gives me a certain bowlegged authenticity, plus need for a brace to do any work.  Have had enough surgeries since retirement, trying to avoid any more.  If I get to your point, I suppose I'd just need to git 'er done.  If you can get a guy who does lots of knees, or only knees, it is likely best case.  Wishing you the greatest good fortune on repair & recovery!

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

Lots of sympathy and prayers for you. As said, get yourself to a good doctor, submit to the MRI and develop a strategy. Landed on a water sprinkler head playing college soccer, tore things up pretty good. When I got to 16 Ibuprofin per day and still barely walking in pain decided to get the replacement. Doctor told me was one of the worst he had ever seen and couldn't believe I was still walking. Shouldn't have waited so long as my uneven gait messed up my "good" knee but went unnoticed because of my "bad" knee. Ended up with a matched set but things are much improved.

All the best

Regards

    

Gateway Kid

[Cholla]

I had almost constant knee pain because no cartilage was left. The VA made knee braces that were supposed to slightly separate the bones. That lasted a little while but I also started using my hands to push off chairs to ease the pain, limited walking, stopped shooting SASS. It finally got to the point I felt like crying because of the constant pain. I had one knee replaced five months ago. But my legs are so weak I am still in almost constant pain. My last PT session was Friday. I don’t know what it’s going to take to feel better. I’m taking 2500 mg of Tylenol every day and Ibuprofen when I need more relief. I have a pcp appointment in two weeks and another with the knee doctor in three weeks. 
My advice is, don’t wait so long that you get weak. 

[Yul Lose]

Mrs. Lose had her right knee replaced just about 10 years ago and it didn’t slow her down a bit. With her old knee she was very limited in what she could do. She likes to hike and take long walks and was at the point that she could barely walk through the house without severe knee pain. She had her knee replaced on a Thursday and I took her in for her follow up a week later and she walked out of the doctors office without a cane or a walker, the doctor said that she didn’t need them anymore. She walks 5-7 miles 3 times a week and walks on the treadmill on the days that she doesn’t walk. She says the new knee was life changing.

[TN Mongo, SASS #61450]

Like Big Sage, college football and wrestling were not kind to my knees. A couple of minor cartilage tears and had both knees drained several times. I survived with compression sleeves, a TENS unit, and over-the-counter meds till I couldn't take it anymore. I went to a highly recommended sports medicine doc who specializes in non-surgical options and his prognosis was pretty grim. His treatment ideas help me make it another year and half, but even he said I was going to need knee replacements soon. 

 

After a lot of research with the help of my M.D. son and former students who are Physical Therapists, I got into the office of the best Orthopedic knee surgeon in the area.  He is a younger guy who strolled into the exam room wearing a pair of Ostrich skin boots and a pair of Wrangler jeans. I liked him immediately. After looking at my x-rays, he commented that I had a pair of the worst looking knees he had ever seen. He determined that both knees needed to be replaced ASAP.

 

The surgeries were done six months apart. He did the surgeries robotically. Because the fit was so precise, I was able to walk out of the hospital both times after a few hours (no overnight stays). I worked hard at rehab and continue working hard at the gym. A year and half later, my knees are better now than they have been in 15 years. A point to consider if you determine you need a knee replacement; the average "life expectancy" for a replacement is 20 years. At 71 I'm not too sure that replacements for my replacements are going to be a concern. My knee replacements have made my daily life so much better. 

 

Good luck on your "journey"! 

[Calamity Kris]

I had some x-rays taken and saw the Orthopedist yesterday.  He said I did have a severe case or Osteoarthritis in my right knee.  (Big surprise )  Lots of bone spurs and lots of damage.  The cartilage between the bones is almost nonexistent.  Unfortunately, I am not a candidate for a knee replacement yet.  Insurance wouldn't cover it at this stage.  He injected me with steroids as a stop gap and we'll see how that goes.  If I don't see any significant relief in a few days, I'll get back in touch with him and we can discuss next steps.

 

The irony of the shot was he put the needle in and hit a bone spur.  Pulled the needle back some and went in again, and hit another bone spur.  Finally made it on the third try.

[Eyesa Horg]

🙏🙏Kris

[Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103]

Standing up on my Prayer Bones for you, dear heart!
(It tells a tale when his first two tries both hit bone spurs!)

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

2 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

I had some x-rays taken and saw the Orthopedist yesterday.  He said I did have a severe case or Osteoarthritis in my right knee.  (Big surprise )  Lots of bone spurs and lots of damage.  The cartilage between the bones is almost nonexistent.  Unfortunately, I am not a candidate for a knee replacement yet.  Insurance wouldn't cover it at this stage.  He injected me with steroids as a stop gap and we'll see how that goes.  If I don't see any significant relief in a few days, I'll get back in touch with him and we can discuss next steps.

 

The irony of the shot was he put the needle in and hit a bone spur.  Pulled the needle back some and went in again, and hit another bone spur.  Finally made it on the third try.

Are you wearing a knee brace? You should....

BTW, find another Doc! 

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

On 10/12/2025 at 11:51 AM, TN Mongo, SASS #61450 said:

Like Big Sage, college football and wrestling were not kind to my knees. A couple of minor cartilage tears and had both knees drained several times. I survived with compression sleeves, a TENS unit, and over-the-counter meds till I couldn't take it anymore. I went to a highly recommended sports medicine doc who specializes in non-surgical options and his prognosis was pretty grim. His treatment ideas help me make it another year and half, but even he said I was going to need knee replacements soon. 

 

After a lot of research with the help of my M.D. son and former students who are Physical Therapists, I got into the office of the best Orthopedic knee surgeon in the area.  He is a younger guy who strolled into the exam room wearing a pair of Ostrich skin boots and a pair of Wrangler jeans. I liked him immediately. After looking at my x-rays, he commented that I had a pair of the worst looking knees he had ever seen. He determined that both knees needed to be replaced ASAP.

 

The surgeries were done six months apart. He did the surgeries robotically. Because the fit was so precise, I was able to walk out of the hospital both times after a few hours (no overnight stays). I worked hard at rehab and continue working hard at the gym. A year and half later, my knees are better now than they have been in 15 years. A point to consider if you determine you need a knee replacement; the average "life expectancy" for a replacement is 20 years. At 71 I'm not too sure that replacements for my replacements are going to be a concern. My knee replacements have made my daily life so much better. 

 

Good luck on your "journey"! 

I had my first replacement done in 2002. When I was in for a checkup on my most recent knee replacement, my ortho Dr Xray'd the one he did in 2002 (23 years ago). No change from the one he did after surgery in 2002. He said no reason it can't last another 20 years. (don't know about that as I would be 104 years old!! LOL)

 

You are right about the technology today. My last replacement the Cscan was digitized and sent to the joint manufacturer where it was custom made for me. During replacement surgery the robot used this data to show the surgeon exactly where to make the cuts and the new joint fit like a glove. Less time in surgery and faster recovery than my first knee replacement. I also have a replacement ankle that used the same technology that is 16 years old and still great. 

[watab kid]

knowing a great number of knee replacement folks a couple double , i will say this - if you opt to get it replaced , follow the directions of the doctor and PT people as they will get you back on your feet fastest and with the best results , if you dont - you end up like a fellow i know that almost cant walk or stand anymore ---all his own fault , i also know hip replacement folks [some double] that are saying those great things about how much beeter their life is after doing it , 

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

On 10/18/2025 at 3:58 AM, Calamity Kris said:

I had some x-rays taken and saw the Orthopedist yesterday.  He said I did have a severe case or Osteoarthritis in my right knee.  (Big surprise )  Lots of bone spurs and lots of damage.  The cartilage between the bones is almost nonexistent.  Unfortunately, I am not a candidate for a knee replacement yet.  Insurance wouldn't cover it at this stage.  He injected me with steroids as a stop gap and we'll see how that goes.  If I don't see any significant relief in a few days, I'll get back in touch with him and we can discuss next steps.

 

The irony of the shot was he put the needle in and hit a bone spur.  Pulled the needle back some and went in again, and hit another bone spur.  Finally made it on the third try.

 So did he tell you why you weren’t a candidate for replacement? Age, other conditions what? If the cartilage is gone, it is gone! It ain’t coming back. I tried the stem cell stuff twice, absolutely zero help (other than the steroids they mixed in reducing the pain for a few weeks), the shots got to where they wore off in a month or so. Doctor scheduled me for surgery out less than two months for the first then I scheduled the second out quite a while (should have gone sooner). Hopefully you get taken care of soon!

Regards

    

Gateway Kid

[Calamity Kris]

2 minutes ago, Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life said:

 So did he tell you why you weren’t a candidate for replacement? Age, other conditions what? If the cartilage is gone, it is gone! It ain’t coming back. I tried the stem cell stuff twice, absolutely zero help (other than the steroids they mixed in reducing the pain for a few weeks), the shots got to where they wore off in a month or so. Doctor scheduled me for surgery out less than two months for the first then I scheduled the second out quite a while (should have gone sooner). Hopefully you get taken care of soon!

Regards

    

Gateway Kid

 

"Insurance wouldn't cover it at this stage." There is some fluid between the bones that are keeping them apart so they aren't touching.  I believe a certain percentage of the area has to be bone-on-bone before insurance will consider it severe enough.  

 

10 hours ago, watab kid said:

knowing a great number of knee replacement folks a couple double , i will say this - if you opt to get it replaced , follow the directions of the doctor and PT people as they will get you back on your feet fastest and with the best results , if you dont - you end up like a fellow i know that almost cant walk or stand anymore ---all his own fault , i also know hip replacement folks [some double] that are saying those great things about how much beeter their life is after doing it , 

 

I have every intention of getting it replaced.  It's a matter of when.  I enjoy being active and really dislike being sidelined because I can't do what I want. 

[Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103]

I wrote and deleted a lengthy and sternly worded rant and condemnation of insurance.
Too much negative experience with insurance, pre-authorizations and denied payments.
I did watch a doctor take the phone from the nurse arguing for a pre-auth.

The doc asked for the full name of the insurance representative.

The rep asked why the doc needed their full legal name.

"Because I am putting you down as cause of death when this patient dies!"

I helped out at our ambulance firm with billing and to make a point, when a payment request was denied, I resubmitted it.

A set percentage of claims were turned down, no reason given.
I took each of these and resubmitted them, with everything on the resubmission, IDENTICAL to the first one sent in.
Half these were paid.
I did it again.
Just over half of these were paid.

It's a racket and I have to agree with my banker: "Insurance exists for two reasons. One is to take your money. The other is to not pay out on your behalf!"

[Texas Maverick]

On 10/11/2025 at 11:18 AM, Calamity Kris said:

I have had severe swelling in one knee for a couple of weeks now.  It is to the point of keeping me up at night because there is no way to lie comfortably.  It does not want to  bend, I have swelling from mid-calf to mid-thigh and it generally aches.  A lot.  I saw my rheumatologist on Friday for my annual auto-immune checkup and she noticed the swelling.  She did some looking at it and determined I am likely looking at a knee replacement.  She put in a referral for orthopedics and we moved on.   My question is, if I were looking at a knee replacement, wouldn't I feel bone-on-bone grinding?  I don't feel anything like that.  I do have a lot of lateral movement, which I know is not good.  I can't put a lot of weight on it without it collapsing.  I'm curious because I want to make sure the correct treatment is being pursued.  

You need to visit a good orthopedic doc and have him x-ray/mri the knee and he can tell you exactly what you need. It might not need a total knee replacement. I did the arthroscopic surgery for one of my knees that lasted for a while. I now have both knees replaced. The doc can tell you what is going on with your knee and make recommendations on what you need. There are a number of options he can give you.

 

TM

[watab kid]

10 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

 

"Insurance wouldn't cover it at this stage." There is some fluid between the bones that are keeping them apart so they aren't touching.  I believe a certain percentage of the area has to be bone-on-bone before insurance will consider it severe enough.  

 

 

I have every intention of getting it replaced.  It's a matter of when.  I enjoy being active and really dislike being sidelined because I can't do what I want. 

you should be able to stay as active as you want - my friend with new knees are and my friends with new hips are as well , but they followed the directions for recovery , the aquaintences did not and are paying the price 

[Texas Maverick]

Just remember if you do have a knee replaced to follow your PT to the letter. I called them my personal torturers but they are there to get you up and going again. Just follow their instructions and do what they ask you to do.

 

TM

[Sedalia Dave]

@Calamity Kris  From a discussion with a friend this weekend. She said to have the latest robotic surgery done and not the older method.  She said that after the robotic knee replacement she was up and about in 1/3rd the time of the one done the old way a few years earlier.

 

Also given that this is open enrollment time you may want to see if there is a insurance alternative that would better cover joint replacement.

 

[Tooky Slim]

On 10/19/2025 at 9:59 AM, Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life said:

 So did he tell you why you weren’t a candidate for replacement? Age, other conditions what? If the cartilage is gone, it is gone! It ain’t coming back. I tried the stem cell stuff twice, absolutely zero help (other than the steroids they mixed in reducing the pain for a few weeks), the shots got to where they wore off in a month or so. Doctor scheduled me for surgery out less than two months for the first then I scheduled the second out quite a while (should have gone sooner). Hopefully you get taken care of soon!

Regards

    

Gateway Kid

              I know, back in 2008(I was 55), the Insurance denied the replacement because they felt 55 was too young. They wanted me to wait 5 more year(until I was 60). I was bone on bone, and had been for about 3 years. I had gotten 3 Synvisc(spelling) injections, which is synthetic cartilage. He told me 3 injections was the limit.

               The Dr. was getting very frustrated with the insurance company...I could hardly walk, and I kept having to get fluid drained. When walking, you could hear my knee grinding from across the room. To me it sounded like two sheets of 80grit sandpaper rubbing together. The Dr.  called the insurance company while I was sitting there, and "WENT OFF" on the "non-doctor " on the phone. Long story short, I wound up gettng my knee replaced 38 days later. Best thing ever.

                       I will say, after having both of mine replaced, it was one of the best moves I ever made. I only wish I had them done sooner. In my case, the aftermath of the surgery was pretty painful for about 6 months(still worth it). Definitely do the physical therapy no matter how much it hurts. It's the difference between walking normally, or walking like Walter Brennan forever.

 

[Calamity Kris]

3 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

Also given that this is open enrollment time you may want to see if there is a insurance alternative that would better cover joint replacement.

 

Yes.  We are seriously looking at "the new kind in town" provider wise.  We are really tired of having to deal with the bureaucracy of the current provider group.   

[watab kid]

On 10/20/2025 at 12:11 PM, Texas Maverick said:

Just remember if you do have a knee replaced to follow your PT to the letter. I called them my personal torturers but they are there to get you up and going again. Just follow their instructions and do what they ask you to do.

 

TM

thanks maveric for reinforcing what i said twice , its critical , the ramifications of not following the PT are way worse than the preexisting condition , im only speaking from personal observation of a lot of folks that have gone thu the procedure's , its an unfortunate state of life the we live long enough to know such things but yet maybe the precautions said will save someone 

[Calamity Kris]

Thanks for all the re-enforcements.  I am one of those folks you have to tie down to make me sit still.  I was walking around after my foot surgery long before I was supposed to.  (Doc even commented I need to slow down so I don't damage his work.)  Following through with my PT is not going to be an issue.

[Texas Maverick]

10 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

Thanks for all the re-enforcements.  I am one of those folks you have to tie down to make me sit still.  I was walking around after my foot surgery long before I was supposed to.  (Doc even commented I need to slow down so I don't damage his work.)  Following through with my PT is not going to be an issue.

Kris, just to set the perspective. Being active is no where near what the PT exercises will be. They will be torture for the first few sessions. Making that new knee bend to where they want it doesn't come easy.

 

TM

[watab kid]

good luck , this will all work out fine , you will be happy you did it in the end