Experts say there’s no objective right or wrong answer — only you can decide. Here are some questions to consider:

■ How much pain are you in? Surgery is often recommended if pain keeps you up at night, interferes with important activities, and causes emotional stress.

■ Can you live with the pain for now?

■ Would you prefer to use conservative therapies such as medications or physical therapy and put off surgery for as long as possible, or have total knee replacement sooner rather than later?

■ Are you willing to accept the risks of surgery?

■ Can you afford to take time off for recovery after surgery? Do you have support to help you during your recovery?

■ Which is more important: getting the possible benefits from surgery or avoiding the possible harms?

(Adapted from a decision aid by Health Dialog)