Medically reviewed by Michael Sutton, MD McLeod Orthopaedics Dillon

Total knee or hip replacements, formerly done mostly on people between 60 and 80, are now being done on many active people younger than 60 and, yes, individuals older than 80, who don’t want to lose their mobility.

“Clearly, a fracture of the knee or hip can necessitate joint replacement, as can a tumor in the joint,” says McLeod Orthopedic Specialist Michael Sutton, MD. “However, the majority of total joint replacements are performed on people suffering from osteoarthritis, which is due largely to wear and tear on the joint.”

Two important facts to understand about osteoarthritis are:

1. It can appear gradually over years of using the knee and hip.
2. It cannot be cured. Medications can reduce the pain and swelling. If the person wants to maintain an active lifestyle, at some point a joint replacement will likely be needed.

Some people delay seeking help for years, thinking the pain and limitations are just part of normal aging. While wear-and-tear are part of aging, there’s no need to continue suffering.

Here are 9 signposts that indicate you are quickly approaching a knee or hip joint replacement.

PAIN

• You knee or hip is so painful that you can’t sleep through the night.
• You tried medications (ibuprofen or prescription pain relievers), but the pain has not improved – even with rest.

FUNCTION

• You can’t handle normal chores, such as preparing your own meals, bathing or handling house cleaning.
• Physical therapy, injections or braces don’t dramatically improve your joint function.

STIFFNESS

• Climbing stairs is difficult and causes pain.
• You are so compromised that a cane or walker is required to move around.

AGE

• You are age 60 or older. This is the most common age range for people, who need knee and hip replacements.
• With many adults undertaking a more active life, more people between ages 40 and 60 are seeking total joint replacements.

SAFETY

• You find yourself in danger of falling at work or at home.

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE

Take these quick 4-question quizzes can help you understand if you need a total joint replacement:

Knee Replacement
Hip Replacement

Find an Orthopedic Specialist near you.

Sources include: McLeod Health, American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons, Centers for Medicare Services, National Institutes of Health, Harvard Medical School, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.