Knee Prosthesis: Clear Signs of Whether It’s Time or Not

Do you wake up with knee pain that worsens as the day goes on? In other words, the discomfort seems to “warm up” gradually but never truly goes away. You may even have been told that you need a knee replacement.

But is surgery really the only option? Orthopaedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist Dr Gabriel Azzini explains when a knee prosthesis is genuinely necessary — and also reveals the natural approaches that may still work before considering surgery.

What Is a Knee Prosthesis?

A knee prosthesis is a metal structure that replaces a joint damaged by osteoarthritis. Put simply, it mimics the natural movements of bending and straightening.

Although it can be effective in advanced cases, it is a complex procedure with a slow recovery. For this reason, it should only be considered when all other strategies have been tried — and have failed.

When Is a Knee Prosthesis Really Necessary?

According to Dr Gabriel, surgery may be justified if you have:

• Persistent, severe pain, even at rest

• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping

• Failure of conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy or supplementation

• A significant loss of mobility

• Visible deformities, such as knock knees (valgus) or bow legs (varus)

• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

• Previous unsuccessful surgeries (such as arthroscopy)

In short, not every case of knee pain requires a prosthesis. Careful assessment is essential.

Before Surgery: The R3 Protocol

Before deciding on surgery, it is vital to consider other options. Dr Gabriel emphasises the R3 Protocol, a natural and personalised strategy to help restore knee function.

This approach has shown consistent results, even in advanced osteoarthritis, often avoiding the need for invasive surgery.

1. Repairing the Terrain

   • Anti-inflammatory nutrition

   • Regenerative supplementation

   • Deep, restorative sleep

2. Strengthening Muscles

   • Personalised stretches

   • Mobility exercises

   • Targeted muscle activation

3. Local Regeneration

   • PRP (platelet-rich plasma)

   • Hyaluronic acid

   • Stem cells and orthobiologics

Real Example: Cleid, aged 80, had grade 4 osteoarthritis in both knees. By following the R3 Protocol, she avoided surgery and regained her ability to walk independently — proof of its practical success.

Key Precautions Before Surgery

Even if surgery appears inevitable, preparing your body in advance greatly improves outcomes. Decisions should never be rushed.

Recommended precautions include:

• Weight-bearing X-rays: reveal the true extent of joint damage

• A strict anti-inflammatory diet: avoiding even gluten-free flours such as cornmeal or tapioca

• Strengthening the body overall: speeds up recovery after surgery

This preparation makes surgery safer, reduces complications, and helps the body respond better to surgical trauma.

Surgery Is Not the Enemy — but It Should Be the Last Resort

A knee prosthesis can indeed restore mobility and relieve pain. However, thanks to advances in regenerative medicine, many people are now avoiding surgery altogether and regaining their quality of life through integrated treatments.

So, if you haven’t yet explored these options, don’t rush. There is often much that can be done before turning to the operating theatre.

Conclusion: Assess Carefully and Choose Wisely

If you’re living with knee pain, struggling with mobility, and have been told you need surgery, seek a second opinion. Surgery can wait while you try safer, more natural strategies first.

Your body may respond better than you expect. Above all, make informed decisions with the guidance of a trusted specialist.

Book a consultation to find out whether you truly need a prosthesis — or if there is still time to regenerate naturally.