How Long can you Delay Knee Replacement

Knee pain can be incredibly disruptive, whether it's making everyday tasks difficult or slowly limiting your mobility over time. But when it comes to surgery, many people hesitate. It's natural to wonder, "How long can you delay knee replacement?" The answer depends on your condition, lifestyle, and how much the discomfort is impacting your life. Let's break it down so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Is Delaying Knee Replacement a Good Idea?
It is important to note that not all knee pain needs an operation to be performed on it. However, most patients are able to control the symptoms for years with the help of physical therapy, medications, and changes in their diet and lifestyle. However, waiting for a long time to undergo knee replacement surgery can result in further deterioration of the joint, muscle atrophy, and poor results of the surgery in the future.

The key is to delay smartly. In this case, it is possible to maintain joint function and gain time without losing the ultimate outcome.

Exercises to Delay Knee Replacement
For those who are not yet ready for knee replacement surgery, there are great exercises that can be done to postpone the surgery. These exercises are aimed at the muscles that surround the knee joint, improving flexibility and offloading pressure on the cartilage.

Some of the most effective include:

Quad strengthening with straight leg raises
Hamstring curls
Low-impact aerobic exercises such as cycling or swimming and step-ups
Gentle yoga for joint mobility
The calf raises to support balance and posture
To prevent injury, one should adhere to a physiotherapist-recommended schedule and stick to the plan. These exercises will not cure the joint disease, but they will help to minimise the pain and stiffness and allow you to avoid surgery safely.