Am I a candidate for hip or knee replacement?
By Jennifer Wood, MD, FAAOS
Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Hip & Knee Replacement | OrthoConnecticut
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Many patients worry they’re either too young, too old, or that their symptoms “aren’t bad enough yet.” In reality, the decision for hip or knee replacement is based far more on how your joint pain affects your life than on your age alone.
You may be a candidate if:
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Joint pain limits your daily activities (walking, stairs, getting dressed, sleeping)
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Pain persists despite physical therapy, medications, or injections
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You’ve reduced activities you enjoy because of pain
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X-rays or imaging show advanced arthritis or joint damage
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Pain affects your quality of life, mood, or independence
Age matters less than you think
There is no perfect age for joint replacement. I routinely see:
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Younger patients whose arthritis is preventing them from working or staying active
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Older patients who want to maintain independence and mobility
What matters most is overall health, bone quality, expectations, and lifestyle goals.
When non-surgical treatments stop helping
Conservative treatments—such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections—can be very effective early on. However, when these options no longer provide meaningful or lasting relief, surgery may offer the best chance to restore function and reduce pain.
This is a personalized decision
There is no pressure to rush into surgery. My role is to:
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Listen carefully to your symptoms and goals
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Review imaging together
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Discuss all available options, surgical and non-surgical
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Help you decide if and when surgery makes sense for you
For many patients, the right time for joint replacement is when pain consistently interferes with living the life they want—not when they can no longer tolerate it.
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If you’re unsure which option is right for you, an in-office evaluation can help clarify the best path forward.
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