5 Signs You May Need Joint Replacement Surgery

If you’re dealing with daily joint pain  -  especially in the knees or hips  -  you’ve probably wondered: Is it time for surgery? At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, in partnership with Penn State Health, we help patients across Lancaster County, Ephrata, and surrounding communities understand when conservative treatments are enough  -  and when joint replacement may be the next step toward lasting relief. Here are five signs it may be time to talk to an orthopedic specialist about joint replacement surgery.

1. You’re in Pain  -  Every Single Day

A little soreness after a workout or long day is normal. But joint pain that:

• Persists for months, not days
• Flares up even at rest
• Wakes you up at night

…is a strong sign of arthritis or joint deterioration that may not improve without surgery. If pain is constant  -  even while doing basic tasks like walking, standing, or sleeping  -  it may be time for a joint evaluation.

2. Your Mobility Is Getting Worse

Joint replacement surgery isn’t just about pain  -  it’s about function. If you’re struggling to:

• Climb stairs
• Get in and out of a car
• Walk more than a few blocks without stopping
• Put on shoes or socks …you may have joint damage that’s limiting your mobility and quality of life.

Many of our patients in Lancaster and Ephrata wait longer than they should  -  and miss out on years of activity they could’ve reclaimed sooner.

3. You’ve Tried Everything Else

Before recommending surgery, we guide patients through:

• Physical therapy
• Joint injections
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Lifestyle modifications
• Bracing and assistive devices

But when these no longer provide relief, and imaging shows significant joint damage (like bone-on-bone contact or cartilage loss), joint replacement becomes the best next step.

4. Your Joint Is Deformed or Unstable

If your knee or hip joint looks visibly:

• Bowed or angled outward
• Feels unstable when walking
• “Gives out” unexpectedly …these are signs that structural joint integrity is compromised.

X-rays or MRIs can confirm the extent of damage  -  and whether surgery is needed to restore stability and alignment.

5. You’re Missing Out on Life

Maybe you’ve stopped hiking your favorite trails. Or given up golfing. Or you’re skipping family events because you’re worried about walking or standing too long. If joint pain is forcing you to say “no” to the things you love  -  it’s worth saying “yes” to an evaluation. Surgery isn’t the right option for everyone. But for many of our patients across Lancaster County, joint replacement brings them back to living life fully  -  and pain-free.

🧬 Advanced Alternatives: Considering BEAR ACL and Less Invasive Options

Joint pain doesn’t always require a full replacement. If your symptoms are caused by ligament injuries like a torn ACL, and you’re an active adult in early stages of joint deterioration, you may be a candidate for advanced options like the BEAR ACL (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration)  -  a cutting-edge technique that helps preserve native tissue and may delay or avoid full joint replacement. Ask our orthopedic specialists if you qualify for alternatives like BEAR, partial knee replacement, or other tissue-preserving procedures.

👨‍⚕️ How Our Specialists Decide If You Need Joint Replacement

At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, our surgeons don’t jump to surgery. We look at:

• Physical symptoms
• X-ray or MRI findings
• Your activity level, age, and goals
• Response to non-surgical treatments

Then we work with you  -  and your primary care team  -  to make a shared decision that fits your life. Through our partnership with Penn State Health, we also offer second opinions, pre-surgical education, and access to regional specialists in complex joint conditions.

📞 Ready to Talk About Joint Pain?

You don’t need to “wait until it’s unbearable.” If you’ve noticed the signs above, it’s worth having a conversation with a joint specialist. Call 717-560-4200 or request an appointment online with the joint replacement team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group  -  with locations in Lancaster and Ephrata. We’ll help you understand your options  -  from conservative care to advanced surgery  -  and create a plan that gets you moving again.