I have just gone through all of this so let me offer some thoughts.

I would stay away from cortisone shots. They offer relief short term but cause more damage to the knee tissue longer term. But some of the other suggestions sound intriguing. Although , stem cell and PRP might be a stretch and here’s why. For these methods to have any effect, there must be some tissue to adhere to. Unfortunately, with bone on bone, that tissue is no longer available.

I struggled for eight years with this condition and pain from walking, could not run. Severe limp with lots of knee boing out on right leg. But, like you , I could do my daily living requirements. I ended up opting for the surgery because my gait was so deteriorated that it as causing back pain, hip, and sciatica on the other leg.

With all that being said, if your joint has mobility and is stable, I would not suggest the surgery until it impacts your ability to do household tasks.

I was trying to be proactive and increase my quality of life being impacted by the knee. But you get used to the pain and learn to modify movements. If I could go back I certainly would have waited to have this TKR done.

Also, be very careful if you are on any medications. In post op there are lots of medications that can react with others. Also, be sure to clarify what anesthesia you will use. I was told by the anesthesiologist as I was being wheeled out on the gurney that they recommend the spinal nerve block anesthesia due to quicker recovery times and rehab success. Do not believe he looked at my medication list and that is where things really took a turn.