What is knee replacement?
Knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) is a procedure that resurfaces a knee joint damaged by arthritis. The surgeon removes worn cartilage and bone and replaces it with smooth, durable implant components so the joint can glide again — reducing pain and restoring movement. It is one of the most successful and well-established procedures in orthopedic surgery.
At Argires Specialty Group in Lancaster, PA, our orthopedic program — led by Dr. Carl E. Becker, with 30+ years of experience and 600+ five-star reviews — offers hip, knee, and shoulder replacement as well as complex revision surgery.
Signs you may need a knee replacement
- Persistent knee pain that limits walking, stairs, or getting up from a chair.
- Pain at rest or at night that disrupts sleep.
- Stiffness and swelling that don't improve with rest or medication.
- Reduced relief from non-surgical treatments you've already tried.
- Knee deformity such as bowing in or out.
We start with non-surgical care
Surgery isn't the first step. For many patients, knee arthritis can be managed for years with the right combination of treatments:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the knee.
- Activity modification and weight management to reduce load on the joint.
- Anti-inflammatory measures and medications.
- Joint injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
When these no longer control your pain and it's affecting your quality of life, replacement becomes a reasonable option to discuss.
What to expect from surgery and recovery
Depending on your anatomy and the extent of arthritis, your surgeon may recommend a total or partial knee replacement. Many patients begin walking with assistance within a day and progress steadily with physical therapy, typically returning to everyday activities over the following weeks, with continued gains over several months. Your surgeon will review the specific risks, benefits, and recovery plan with you before any decision.
Request an appointment or call (717) 358-0800 to have your knee evaluated by our orthopedic team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who is a candidate for knee replacement?
Knee replacement is typically considered for people with advanced knee arthritis whose pain limits daily activities and no longer responds to non-surgical treatments such as medication, injections, and physical therapy. The right timing is decided together with your orthopedic surgeon after an evaluation.
What is the difference between total and partial knee replacement?
A total knee replacement resurfaces the entire knee joint, while a partial (unicompartmental) replacement replaces only the damaged portion. Which is appropriate depends on the pattern and extent of arthritis, which your surgeon determines from your exam and imaging.
How long does recovery from knee replacement take?
Many patients walk with assistance within a day of surgery and progress steadily over the following weeks with physical therapy. Most resume everyday activities within about six weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Recovery varies by individual.
Do I have to try other treatments before knee replacement?
Usually, yes. We begin with non-surgical care — activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory measures, and joint injections — and consider replacement when those no longer control your pain. Call Argires Specialty Group at (717) 358-0800 to discuss your options in Lancaster, PA.
Ready to get moving again?
Whether you need conservative care or a joint replacement, our orthopedic team will help you find the right path. Schedule a consultation today.
Request an Appointment Call (717) 358-0800