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The 5 Things You Need to Know Before Having Knee Replacement Surgery
From surprising truths about how long the recovery is, to the mental and emotional hurdles no one talks about, this journey is far more complex than you may realize.
Shehla Rooney
August 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
TODAY’S KNEE NEWS
5 Things You Need to Know BEFORE Having A Knee Replacement
From surprising truths about how long the recovery is to the emotional hurdles no one talks about, this journey is far more complex than you may realize.
This month’s featured post, includes:
Why starting a prehab program before surgery isn’t optional, it’s essential
How recovery timelines often shock even the most motivated patients
Why the mental and emotional challenges can outweigh the physical ones
What non-surgical options are worth exploring before committing to surgery
These lessons could help you avoid frustration and disappointment, and feel more in control of your recovery.
If knee replacement is in your future, watching this, could make all the difference.
Game on: How to Protect Your Knees on the Pickleball Court
Guess who’s going to the 2025 NSGA National Pickleball Championships in August?
Whether you're an experienced player or just getting started, protecting your knees on the court is a must. In this featured blog, I’m sharing key injury prevention tips to help you move better, stay safer, and enjoy the game for years to come.
I couldn’t resist sharing a little peek into my world. That’s me in the photo below, and if you’re curious how those knees are holding up after multiple knee surgeries, click below the picture.
I hope it inspires you to stay active and proves that protecting your knees really does pay off.
What Your MRI Doesn’t Tell You
Did you know that your knee can feel fine, even though your MRI shows “damage” in your knee joint. It’s more common than you think. New research reveals that a surprising number of people with NO KNEE PAIN at all still show signs of wear and tear on imaging.
Let’s take a closer look!
Knee MRI Findings in “Healthy” Adults
A large population-based study reviewed knee MRIs from people without diagnosed knee osteoarthritis and found surprising rates of structural changes:
30–40 % showed cartilage damage on MRI, even though they had NO pain or symptoms
25–35 % had visible bone marrow lesions (commonly linked with OA pain)
Meniscus tears or degeneration were present in at least 25 % of these symptom-free knees
Why This Matters for You
Structural changes don’t always cause pain
Just because an MRI shows wear or tear doesn’t mean you’ll experience discomfort or need surgery. Many people live fully functional lives despite these findings.
Imaging alone doesn’t tell the whole story
MRI results need to be interpreted along with your symptoms, activity level, movement quality, and overall knee function.
You’ve still got power over your knees
Strategies like targeted exercise, strengthening, flexibility work, and mindful movement can help you stay active and pain-free, even if imaging shows degenerative changes in your knee.
Bottom line for KneeMail readers
Don’t panic if your MRI report lists cartilage damage or meniscus issues. It doesn’t mean you will have knee pain.
MRIs are helpful, but they are not the whole story.
Curious to read the research study yourself, then check it out here:
KNEE TIP OF THE MONTH
Try short, frequent walks instead of one long one.
If your knees get stiff or sore with long periods of movement, break it up.
Three 10- minute walks spread throughout the day can be more joint-friendly, and just as effective, as one 30-minute walk.
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