Knee pain affects many people and can disrupt daily life, work, exercise and confidence in movement. For many, knee discomfort begins slowly and might improve with rest, physiotherapy or simple lifestyle changes. Other times it can come on suddenly after a fall, a twist or a sporting incident.

In most cases, non-surgical care is enough. But there are times when ongoing pain, instability or mechanical symptoms indicate that seeing a knee orthopaedic surgeon is sensible. A specialist assessment helps identify what is happening and whether surgery might be appropriate. Surgery is not always the first step, but early review can protect the knee from further damage and guide realistic treatment planning.

Below are common situations where knee surgery may be considered and when you should think about seeing a specialist like Mr Vishal Pai, a Melbourne-based orthopaedic knee surgeon.

When to Consider Seeing a Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon

1. Pain That Persists Despite Care

Many types of knee pain settle with physiotherapy, rest, ice and activity modification. But if pain continues for weeks or months and becomes part of your daily life despite reasonable conservative care, it is worth seeking specialist review.

Signs that ongoing pain needs attention include:

Pain with everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing or kneeling
Increasing discomfort rather than gradual improvement
Pain that wakes you at night
Pain that limits your ability to take part in work or family life

Persistent pain can be linked to structural problems inside the knee, such as cartilage damage, ligament injuries or progressive osteoarthritis, all of which are conditions Mr Pai assesses regularly.

2. Instability or ‘Giving Way’ Sensation

A knee that feels unstable or gives way during movement can be unsettling and increases the risk of further injury. This symptom often suggests an issue with the knee’s supporting ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

You may notice:

The knee suddenly feels unreliable
Difficulty with pivoting or changing direction
A sensation of the knee collapsing while walking or running

Instability affects everyday confidence in the knee and may be linked to injuries that benefit from specialist assessment and, in some cases, surgery.

3. Mechanical Symptoms: Locking or Catching

When the knee locks, catches or feels blocked during movement, it often points to internal joint problems such as a meniscal tear or loose cartilage fragments.

Typical mechanical symptoms include:

The knee becomes stuck and needs to be moved back into place
Catching sensations with twisting or bending
Sharp pain when certain movements are attempted

These patterns are best reviewed by a knee surgeon because they may indicate a structural issue that does not always improve with physiotherapy alone.

4. Recurrent Swelling After Activity

Swelling is the knee’s response to irritation or injury. While mild swelling after intense activity is common, repeated swelling after light or moderate loads, or swelling that doesn’t settle, suggests a problem needing closer assessment.

This might include:

Swelling that persists into the next day
Swelling after simple walking or stair climbing
Swelling with stiffness or reduced range of motion

Persistent swelling may reflect cartilage damage, ligament strain, or joint degeneration. Specialist review helps work out the cause and plan management.

5. Difficulty Returning to Activity or Sport

Many people do well with physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation after knee injuries. But when progress stalls, pain remains, or instability persists, it may be time to consider specialist assessment.

You might experience:

Setbacks when increasing activity
Ongoing discomfort with exercise
Fear of reinjury when attempting a sport
Stiffness or weakness that does not improve with therapy

Seeing a knee orthopaedic surgeon can help determine whether your symptoms relate to a structural issue that needs targeted management or surgical treatment.

6. Severe or Sudden Injury

Some injuries require early specialist review, especially when symptoms are significant at the time they occur.

For example:

A loud pop at the time of injury

Immediate swelling after a twist or impact

Inability to bear weight

Noticeable instability or deformity

These are often linked to ligament injuries like ACL tears or significant meniscal damage and warrant timely assessment.

Understanding the Possible Pathways

When assessing a knee, a surgeon considers your symptoms, history, physical findings and, if needed, imaging such as X-rays or MRI. The aim is to clarify the cause of your symptoms and guide the right treatment pathway.

Here is a simple summary of common knee issues and when surgery may be discussed:

Situation: Persistent pain

What You May Notice: Pain that interferes with daily life

How Surgery Might Help: A clearer diagnosis that may lead to targeted procedures

Situation: Instability

What You May Notice: Knee feels unpredictable

How Surgery Might Help: Reconstruction of ligaments like the ACL

Situation: Mechanical symptoms

What You May Notice: Locking or catching

How Surgery Might Help: Arthroscopy to assess and address the meniscus or loose bodies

Situation: Recurrent swelling

What You May Notice: Swelling after light activity

How Surgery Might Help: Identifying cartilage or structural issues

Situation: Injury that didn’t improve

What You May Notice: Pain or instability after trauma

How Surgery Might Help: Early surgical assessment can protect the knee

Situation: Advanced osteoarthritis

What You May Notice: Pain, stiffness, reduced movement

How Surgery Might Help: Joint replacement or corrective surgery

What Surgery Aims to Achieve

Surgery is not about quick fixes. It aims to:

Reduce pain

Restore stability

Improve movement

Protect joint structures

Support a return to meaningful activities

Different procedures address different problems. Some common surgical pathways Mr Pai performs include:

ACL reconstruction or repair for ligament instability
Knee arthroscopy to clean or repair internal structures
Meniscal repair to restore shock-absorbing cartilage
Patella stabilisation for kneecap tracking issues
Realignment osteotomy to change how the weight goes through the joint
Partial or total knee replacement in advanced arthritis

Why an Early Review Matters

Waiting too long to seek specialist advice can sometimes allow knee problems to worsen. An early review:

Provides a clear diagnosis
Helps you understand what is happening
Offers structured treatment options
Reduces the risk of further joint damage
Sets realistic expectations for recovery

Even if surgery is not required, seeing a knee surgeon ensures you have clarity and a plan based on your situation and goals.

About Mr Vishal Pai

Mr Vishal Pai is a Melbourne-based orthopaedic knee surgeon with expertise in conditions affecting the knee. He provides care for people with ligament injuries, meniscus problems, osteoarthritis, patella instability and other knee concerns. Mr Pai takes time to work through symptoms, physical findings and imaging before recommending non-surgical or surgical approaches that align with your lifestyle and goals.

If your knee pain continues, feels unstable, or limits your activities, arranging a consultation with Mr Pai can help you understand what is happening and discuss your options. Call the clinic to book an appointment.

When Is Surgery Needed? Signs You Should See a Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon