Back to the Life He Loves: Tim Finds Relief After Years of Knee Pain

For nearly a decade, Tim Swicegood pushed through the pain of osteoarthritis in his knee. An avid outdoorsman who loved staying active, he did everything he could to push through the discomfort, refusing to let it slow him down. But as the pain worsened, even simple tasks like climbing stairs became a challenge, and the activities he loved most began slipping away.

When a summer hike left him barely able to continue, he realized something had to change. A conversation with Orthopedic Surgeon Michael Palmer, MD and the team at The Christ Hospital Physicians - Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine gave him the confidence and reassurance he needed to move forward.

What happened next transformed more than just his knee. After finally undergoing a total knee replacement, Tim discovered something he hadn't felt in years: life without constant pain. Today, he shares his journey from years of hesitation and declining mobility to a quality of life he thought he had lost forever. Looking back, he has just one question: Why did I wait so long?

Tim's Story

Tim: Oh goodness, my pain level had gotten to the point where I was at a 7 or 8 all the time.

I love to be outside. I love to be active. If it's fast, I've done. I got to the point where I just couldn't do anything any longer.

Stairs were just; I had to grab something to help pull me up. I went on a hike this past summer and it nearly killed me.

Dr. Palmer: Tim, he had advanced osteoarthritis in his knee. The problem with delaying things for too long is it deteriorates your quality of life to a point that becomes detrimental.

Tim: I'm kind of embarrassed to say from the time it really started, it probably was 8 to 10 years. My brother has had several implants that had gotten infected. And so that really terrified me.

But after I really started talking with Dr. Palmer, he was going to do everything in his power to eliminate that. Just the whole team really had my back and reassurance.

I asked Doctor Palmer, "can we just do a little portion of it?"

He looked at the X-ray and said "there's not a chance; we got to just replace it."

Waking up in recovery, I know he was talking with the nurse, and he said, "that was one of the worst I've ever seen."

And I knew at that point that I had waited too long.

The most amazing feeling was realizing that I could live my life again without pain.

Why did I wait so long?

Life is going to be better now. You just can't get a better experience. I've really appreciated that from Christ Hospital. I'll do it again in a second.

Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoarthritis

Q: What is osteoarthritis?

A: The symptoms of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, are well known - mainly pain, swelling, and limited function of certain joints caused by deterioration and inflammation of the bones in the joint. The prevalence of osteoarthritis tends to grow as we get older, especially in the hands, spine, hips, and knees.

Q: What are the treatment options before surgery?

A: Not everyone with knee osteoarthritis needs surgery.

Staying active is especially important. Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help support the joint, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are often recommended to help maintain strength and flexibility while protecting the joints.

Lifestyle improvements can significantly help as well. Controlling other sources of systemic inflammation (healthy diet, weight loss, diabetes control) can significantly improve osteoarthritis symptoms.

Nonsurgical treatment recommendations for knee arthritis may also include:

• Bracing
• Topical medications
• Oral medications or natural alternatives
• Injectable treatments
• Nerve blocks
• Low dose radiation therapy

Q: When should I see a doctor about knee pain?

A: It is always a good idea to schedule an evaluation if knee pain, swelling, or stiffness is interfering with your daily activities, exercise routine, work, or sleep. Your doctor can help you access testing to confirm your diagnosis or determine if there is something else going on. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and provide access to treatments that may slow progression and improve function.

Q: How do I know if I need a knee replacement?

A: A knee replacement may be considered when osteoarthritis pain becomes severe enough to limit everyday activities and when non-surgical treatments no longer provide meaningful help. During an evaluation, your orthopedic surgeon will review your symptoms, examine your knee, and use imaging such as X-rays to determine the extent of joint damage and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

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