Knee Pain and Knee Replacement Surgery

At Ochsner Health, our team-based approach to knee pain treatment and joint replacement surgery ensures you get the expert care you need from start to finish. Our care team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers, all working together to support your recovery and improve your mobility.

Whether you need a virtual visit, same-day knee replacement surgery, or ongoing support after your procedure, we’re here to help. Patients have 24/7 access to our joint care team through a dedicated phone line. With orthopedic clinics and hospitals located throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, high-quality orthopedic care is always within reach.

Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans has been rated High Performing in Knee Replacement by U.S. News & World Report. In 2021, Ochsner Hospital for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Olympic Medical Center received the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement. We are also a designated Center of Excellence for knee replacement for select major employers.

Chronic knee pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages. It may develop slowly over time or start suddenly after an injury. While arthritis in the knee is a leading cause of long-term knee pain, there are many possible reasons your knees might hurt.

Common causes of chronic knee pain

Several types of arthritis can lead to ongoing knee joint pain and stiffness:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in your knee wears away, causing the bones to rub together and create pain and swelling.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: This can happen after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, and may develop years later.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks the lining of the knee joint, causing inflammation and chronic pain.
• Septic arthritis: Also called infectious arthritis, this happens when bacteria or another infection enters the knee joint and leads to redness, swelling and pain. Other causes of chronic knee pain include abnormal joint alignment, improper joint development, or damage from past injuries. No matter the cause, early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve pain and improve how your knee functions.

In addition to chronic knee pain due to arthritis, our team also treats pain resulting from abnormal formation or alignment of the joint.

We offer different ways to treat knee pain, starting with simple, non-surgical knee pain treatments. Sometimes, a few easy steps at home can help reduce pain and stiffness. You can try resting from activities that hurt, using ice or heat packs on your knee, wearing a compression sleeve, and keeping your leg elevated as much as you can. For many people, these treatments are enough to relieve pain and help them stay active doing what they love.

Additional ways on how to relieve knee pain:

• Anti-inflammatory pain medication
• Assistive devices, such as splints
• Cortisone injections for pain relief
• Joint aspiration to remove fluid from the knee
• Physical therapy to improve muscle strength and range of motion
• Occupational therapy to help you learn how to perform everyday tasks in ways that are easier on your knees
• Weight loss services to help you get to and maintain a healthy weight, which will decrease stress on your knees

If you’ve tried these options and knee pain is still affecting your daily life, partial or total knee replacement surgery might be a good choice. Our highly trained orthopedic surgeons use the latest techniques, including robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, to help you move more easily and enjoy life with less pain.

We are a regional leader in robotic knee replacement surgery, offering robotic-assisted knee replacement at several Ochsner locations.

Robotic surgery, also known as robotic-assisted surgery, is a form of minimally invasive surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon sits at a console and controls robotic arms equipped with a high-definition camera and surgical instruments. This allows for a magnified view and greater control, helping the surgeon perform delicate procedures with accuracy. This minimally invasive option allows our surgeons to position implants with greater accuracy, leading to faster recovery and better long-term results. 

We continue to explore advanced surgical tools that let us tailor each knee replacement to the patient’s unique anatomy.

Knee replacement surgery is a big step, and there’s a lot to learn about the process and recovery. We want you to feel confident, prepared, and empowered every step of the way so you can achieve the best possible outcome. That’s why we offer our Joint Boot Camp class.

This two-hour seminar, available online or in person, is designed to guide you through everything you need to know. You’ll learn how to prepare for surgery, meet the team who will care for you, understand what the procedure involves, and know what to expect during recovery. The class is led by a team of experts, including a physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse, and social worker. We also encourage you to bring a friend or family member who will be supporting you before and after surgery.

"I can't say thank you enough to Dr. Moore [for my knee replacement]. He is an amazing doctor; he is the best doctor. All my love to you." -- Nhung T., knee replacement patient at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans. 

This surgery significantly reduces knee pain for many patients and allows them to enjoy a higher quality of life. Following your post-surgery recovery plan is key to long-term success. Knee replacement surgery will not, however, cure arthritis, and it does not guarantee the joint will be pain-free moving forward.

Complications from this surgery are rare, but certain problems, such as infections and blood clots, may occur. You may receive an antibiotic to treat an infection. Blood-thinning medications can help prevent blood clots.

Many patients experience some pain for a few weeks after surgery. You can manage this discomfort by taking an anti-inflammatory medication or another medicine designed to relieve pain. Early movement and quick rehab plans are designed to help lower stiffness and pain soon after surgery.

Recovery after total knee replacement surgery can take time. Most people can return to many activities within three months, but it may take six months to a year to regain full strength. How quickly you recover depends on your health before surgery and your personal goals.

Yes, most people can enjoy a normal life after knee replacement surgery. In fact, many patients find that the procedure transforms their daily lives by relieving pain and improving mobility. After a full recovery, you’ll likely be able to walk, climb stairs, and participate in activities you once enjoyed, such as swimming or golf.

It’s important to keep realistic expectations. While a replacement knee may not feel exactly like a natural one, it’s designed to function well for everyday tasks and low-impact activities. Your care team will guide you on any long-term limitations, such as avoiding high-impact sports or heavy lifting.

With dedication to physical therapy and a healthy lifestyle, you can look forward to a more active, pain-free life. Your new knee is just the start of a better future!