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How to Know When a Joint Replacement is Necessary

  • 3 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 6/4/2026

Staying active later in life is highly encouraged and great for overall health. But for many adults, joint pain has a way of creeping in. It can start as a small ache after yardwork, when the weather changes or even just after a long walk. Over time, that small ache can turn into something that slows you down.

A smiling, bald man wearing clear glasses, a light blue suit jacket, and a white patterned shirt stands in front of a plain gray background.
Tyler Gunderson, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

At Covenant Health, we’re committed to providing expert orthopedic care that helps you stay strong, mobile and independent. Tyler Gunderson, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Covenant Health’s Cumberland Orthopedics, put it simply: “You don’t have to live in pain. We’re here to help you move with confidence again.”

What Is Joint Pain?

Joint pain happens when the smooth surfaces inside your joints wear down. This can cause simple movements to feel stiff or sore. You may notice that everyday tasks take more effort than they used to.

Joint pain is common. National health groups such as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) report that more than one in four adults deal with frequent joint pain. Many wait years before getting help, even though early care can make a big difference.

Covenant Health uses advanced tools to diagnose joint problems early. Our teams quickly learn what is causing your pain and what steps can help you feel better.

Common Symptoms of Joint Problems

Knowing the signs can help you decide when it’s time to reach out for care. Common symptoms include:

  • Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
  • Pain at night that interrupts sleep
  • Limited movement, such as trouble bending or straightening, that makes daily tasks harder
  • A grinding feeling in your knee or hip
  • Swelling after activity

Risk Factors for Joint Problems

Joint problems can affect anyone, but some people are impacted more often than others. Risk factors include:

  • Age 50 and older
  • Past injuries to the knee, hip or shoulder
  • Repetitive movements at work or in sports
  • Family history of joint problems
  • Carrying extra weight that puts stress on joints

When Joint Replacement Is Necessary

Joint replacement is not about age. It’s about how much pain affects your day. You may want to consider joint replacement if:

  • Pain makes it hard to walk or stand
  • You avoid activities you used to enjoy
  • Pain medicine no longer helps
  • Your joint feels weak or unstable
  • You struggle with daily tasks like getting dressed or climbing stairs

Covenant Health Orthopedic Services

Our teams of experienced orthopedic surgeons, nurses, clinicians and therapists work together to stay on top of the latest technological advances. We offer modern approaches that help many patients recover faster, including:

  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques
  • Computer-assisted joint replacement
  • Robotic-guided surgery
  • High-resolution imaging
  • Personalized surgical planning and recovery plans

Our orthopedic services have also been recognized as a Blue Center of Distinction+for hip and knee replacement surgery. This designation highlights high-quality outcomes and patient safety.

Take the Next Step With Covenant Health

If joint pain limits your movement, energy or activities, you don’t have to push through it.  Covenant Health offers trusted care, advanced treatment options and a team that’s with you every step of the way.

Find a Covenant Health orthopedic specialist and take the first step toward feeling better.

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