Arthritis is a condition that gradually takes hold, often brushed off as mere signs of aging or routine fatigue, until it starts to seriously limit mobility and disrupt daily life. In India, where an aging population and sedentary lifestyles are contributing factors, cases of joint arthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis, are rising steadily. To shed light on the growing burden of this condition and explore how knee replacement surgery can transform lives, we spoke with three leading Orthopedic specialists: Dr. B. L. Prakash, Dr. Ananya Puttaraju, and Dr. VijayGirish; who shared their insights on the increasing incidence of knee OA in India and their experience treating patients across various age groups.
Dr. B. L. Prakash begins by explaining that arthritis, at its core, is inflammation of the joints that leads to progressive damage. “ In the knee, the most common type is osteoarthritis, which occurs due to age-related wear and tear of cartilage. Once the cartilage that cushions the bones wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain and restricting movement,” he shares. He adds that while osteoarthritis is the most prevalent, some people may also suffer from rheumatoid or post-traumatic arthritis, depending on their medical history or injuries.
Video
Recognising arthritis early can make a meaningful difference in how it’s managed. According
to Dr. Ananya Puttaraju, people often overlook the early signs. “Morning stiffness, joint
swelling, pain that worsens with activity, or even a feeling of instability in the knee are red
flags. Some people notice a grating or cracking sound. Over time, these symptoms can
severely limit movement, even making routine activities like climbing stairs difficult,” he says.
Fortunately, there are non-surgical ways to manage knee arthritis in its early to moderate stages. Dr. VijayGirish highlights the importance of lifestyle changes: “ Weight management is key—it reduces the pressure on your knees. Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles around the joint, and medications or corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain. Walking aids and avoiding high-impact activities also go a long way.”
However, when these conservative treatments stop providing relief, surgical intervention becomes a consideration. “ Knee Replacement Surgery is recommended when pain, stiffness, and reduced function start interfering with day-to-day life, and imaging confirms joint damage,” explains Dr. B. L. Prakash. He notes that for patients who struggle to walk short distances or sleep because of knee pain, surgery can make their life better,When asked what knee replacement entails, Dr. Ananya Puttaraju describes the procedure in detail: “ The surgery involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The goal is to restore smooth joint movement and eliminate the pain caused by bone-on-bone contact. It’s a fairly short procedure—about 1.5 to 2 hours—and most patients begin walking with support within a day or two.”
There are different types of knee replacements depending on the severity and location of the damage. Dr. VijayGirish elaborates: “ We primarily perform Total Knee Replacement (TKR), where the entire joint surface is replaced. But for patients whose arthritis is confined to a specific compartment of the knee, a Partial Knee Replacement may be suitable. TKR is more common, but Partial Knee Replacement helps preserve more of the natural knee.”
Recovery and rehabilitation play a crucial role in the success of the surgery. Dr. B L Prakash explains, “ Most patients are hospitalized for about 3–4 days, and physiotherapy starts within 24 hours. Patients are encouraged to walk early with the help of a walker or crutches. Full recovery can take 6 to 12 weeks for regular activities, and about 3 to 6 months for complete rehabilitation.”
Despite how common and successful knee replacement surgeries are, myths and fears persist. Dr. Ananya Puttaraju addresses these candidly: “ Many people think they’ll never walk normally again, or that implants will wear out quickly. The truth is, most patients experience dramatic pain relief and improved mobility. Pain during recovery is another worry—but it’s well managed with medication and guided physiotherapy.”
So, how can patients protect their new knee and ensure long-term success? Dr. VijayGirish advises, “ Maintain a healthy weight, do low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, and avoid high-impact sports, under supervision of their treating surgeon. Stick to the physiotherapy plan and attend follow-ups. If done right, most people return to active, independent lives—and enjoy them without the limitations that arthritis once imposed.”Knee arthritis may be common, but it doesn’t have to define your life. With timely diagnosis, the right treatment strategy, and in some cases, surgery, patients can move from stiffness and discomfort to freedom and fluidity. Knee replacement, when done appropriately, is a safe and effective way to get back on your feet—both literally and figuratively.
However, please note that every surgery comes with their inherent risks and patient outcomes vary depending on the medical condition of each patient.
NOTE: This is a public awareness initiative by J&J. Views expressed by the experts are their own and intended for general awareness only. This is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any personal health concerns. J&J disclaims liability for the accuracy or outcomes related to expert opinions shared here.
References -
https://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/outcomes-statistics-success-rate https://ageinplaceschool.com/how-long-do-knee-replacements-last-a-comprehensive-guide-on-knee-replacement-longevity/ https://www.summitortho.com/2018/01/17/ask-dr-breien-long-will-knee-implant-last/ https://www.jrheum.org/content/38/4/753 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00402-023-05136-x https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_replacement Contributed by Dr. B. L. Prakash, Dr. Ananya Puttaraju, and Dr. Vijay Girish.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgments of the experts, and TIL does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. The information provided is indented solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or endorsement. Please consult your treating physician for more details. This article has been produced on behalf of J&J by Times Internet’s Spotlight team."
Video
Recognising arthritis early can make a meaningful difference in how it’s managed. According
to Dr. Ananya Puttaraju, people often overlook the early signs. “Morning stiffness, joint
swelling, pain that worsens with activity, or even a feeling of instability in the knee are red
flags. Some people notice a grating or cracking sound. Over time, these symptoms can
severely limit movement, even making routine activities like climbing stairs difficult,” he says.
Fortunately, there are non-surgical ways to manage knee arthritis in its early to moderate stages. Dr. VijayGirish highlights the importance of lifestyle changes: “ Weight management is key—it reduces the pressure on your knees. Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles around the joint, and medications or corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain. Walking aids and avoiding high-impact activities also go a long way.”
However, when these conservative treatments stop providing relief, surgical intervention becomes a consideration. “ Knee Replacement Surgery is recommended when pain, stiffness, and reduced function start interfering with day-to-day life, and imaging confirms joint damage,” explains Dr. B. L. Prakash. He notes that for patients who struggle to walk short distances or sleep because of knee pain, surgery can make their life better,When asked what knee replacement entails, Dr. Ananya Puttaraju describes the procedure in detail: “ The surgery involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The goal is to restore smooth joint movement and eliminate the pain caused by bone-on-bone contact. It’s a fairly short procedure—about 1.5 to 2 hours—and most patients begin walking with support within a day or two.”
There are different types of knee replacements depending on the severity and location of the damage. Dr. VijayGirish elaborates: “ We primarily perform Total Knee Replacement (TKR), where the entire joint surface is replaced. But for patients whose arthritis is confined to a specific compartment of the knee, a Partial Knee Replacement may be suitable. TKR is more common, but Partial Knee Replacement helps preserve more of the natural knee.”
Recovery and rehabilitation play a crucial role in the success of the surgery. Dr. B L Prakash explains, “ Most patients are hospitalized for about 3–4 days, and physiotherapy starts within 24 hours. Patients are encouraged to walk early with the help of a walker or crutches. Full recovery can take 6 to 12 weeks for regular activities, and about 3 to 6 months for complete rehabilitation.”
Despite how common and successful knee replacement surgeries are, myths and fears persist. Dr. Ananya Puttaraju addresses these candidly: “ Many people think they’ll never walk normally again, or that implants will wear out quickly. The truth is, most patients experience dramatic pain relief and improved mobility. Pain during recovery is another worry—but it’s well managed with medication and guided physiotherapy.”
So, how can patients protect their new knee and ensure long-term success? Dr. VijayGirish advises, “ Maintain a healthy weight, do low-impact exercises like walking or swimming, and avoid high-impact sports, under supervision of their treating surgeon. Stick to the physiotherapy plan and attend follow-ups. If done right, most people return to active, independent lives—and enjoy them without the limitations that arthritis once imposed.”Knee arthritis may be common, but it doesn’t have to define your life. With timely diagnosis, the right treatment strategy, and in some cases, surgery, patients can move from stiffness and discomfort to freedom and fluidity. Knee replacement, when done appropriately, is a safe and effective way to get back on your feet—both literally and figuratively.
However, please note that every surgery comes with their inherent risks and patient outcomes vary depending on the medical condition of each patient.
NOTE: This is a public awareness initiative by J&J. Views expressed by the experts are their own and intended for general awareness only. This is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any personal health concerns. J&J disclaims liability for the accuracy or outcomes related to expert opinions shared here.
References -
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgments of the experts, and TIL does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. The information provided is indented solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or endorsement. Please consult your treating physician for more details. This article has been produced on behalf of J&J by Times Internet’s Spotlight team."
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