Knee pain is one of the most prevalent adult over-40 problems—and arthritis is frequently the cause. While many people heal arthritis with drugs and physical therapy, for others, the damage is so extensive that knee replacement surgery is the only solution.
As a leading orthopedic doctor in HSR Layout, Dr. Akshay Shetty frequently sees patients with arthritis-related knee pain that interferes with their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. In this blog, we’ll explore how arthritis damages the knee joint, when surgery becomes necessary, and what early actions can delay or prevent it.
Arthritis—and How it Affects Knees
Arthritis leads to inflammation and wear and tear of the joints. The knee has to bear weight continuously and is the main point of movement which is why it is mainly affected. The two primary forms of arthritis affecting the knees are:
Osteoarthritis: It occurs when the cartilage is gradually lost and is also known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body assaults the joint lining, causing persistent inflammation, pain, and eventually joint destruction.
Both types can cause:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Pain during or after movement
- Limited range of motion
- Grinding or clicking sounds in the knee
How Arthritis Develops to Require Knee Replacement
Arthritis starts quietly—morning stiffness or mild soreness after a walk. But it gets progressively worse. When cartilage is lost, bones start to scrape against one another, producing painful sharpness, swelling, and joint deformity.
Eventually, when:
- Conservative treatments fail,
- Pain is persistent, even at rest,
- Mobility becomes severely limited,
…it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery.
Dr. Akshay Shetty at his orthopedic clinic in Bengaluru assesses knee function with clinical tests and imaging (such as X-rays or MRIs) to ascertain if a patient requires surgery or not.
Knee Replacement Surgery
In knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial implants built from metal and plastic. These components help in natural movement of the knee and restore alignment and stability.
Types of Knee Replacement:
- Total Knee Replacement: The entire joint is replaced.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Only one compartment is replaced (early-stage OA).
- Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement: For higher precision and better alignment.
Dr. Shetty specializes in minimally invasive joint replacement surgery and follows all recovery protocols to ensure faster healing and reduced complications.
What You Can Do Early to Avoid Surgery (or Delay It)
Not everybody with arthritis must undergo surgery immediately. Many patients, if treated early, can control their condition and lower symptoms by a large degree. The following are measures you can take:
1. Managing Weight
Even reducing your body weight to 5–10% can alleviate significant stress on your knees. Each additional kilo of body weight puts nearly 4 kilos of stress on your knee joint.
2. Exercises
Swimming, cycling, and walking helps to support muscles. Dr. Akshay Shetty frequently prescribes physiotherapy sessions specifically for arthritis patients.
3.Medications
Painkillers and NSAIDs can lower inflammation. Still, use should be monitored by a physician over the long term to prevent side effects.
4. Joint Injections
Steroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections may provide temporary relief. Dr. Shetty performs these under sterile, image-guided techniques for best results.
5. Assistive Devices
While moving wearing a knee brace, cane, or orthotic shoes can decrease strain on the joints.
6. Changes in Lifestyle
Minimize squatting, extensive standing, or going up stairs excessively. Take breaks periodically and utilize ergonomic chairs or footwear.
7. Regular Monitoring
If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, regular checkups with a bone doctor in HSR Layout like Dr. Akshay Shetty can track disease progression and adapt your treatment plan as needed.
The Proper Time to Have Knee Replacement in Case of Arthritis
Dr. Akshay Shetty makes a point that surgery should never be considered a first choice but should not be postponed so far that the joint damage turns into something permanent.
Surgery is required if:
- Pain is unmanageable with medication
- You struggle with daily tasks like walking, bending, or climbing stairs
- There’s joint deformity or instability
- You wake up at night due to knee pain
Why To Choose Dr. Akshay Shetty for Knee Replacement in Bengaluru?
- Certified orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon with years of experience
- Expertise in total and partial knee replacement techniques
- Use of advanced, minimally invasive surgical tools
- Focus on early recovery and post-operative rehabilitation
- Highest rating by patients in Bengaluru for professionalism
To Summarize
Arthritis can result in damage to joints and disability,so it must be managed at an early stage. Various choices such as weight control, physiotherapy and high-level surgical care are available to enable you to keep your knee functional and mobile.
Dr. Akshay Shetty, Bengaluru’s renowned specialist in knee replacement surgery, provides both non-surgical and surgical treatments according to your requirements. Don’t let arthritis dominate your life—regain control with appropriate care.
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