People often ignore constant knee pain, morning joint stiffness, and difficulty climbing stairs, considering it a normal issue. However, if the pain intensifies, they should consult a doctor. In some cases, specialists recommend knee joint transplantation, but the question arises whether surgery is necessary in every case, or if medication and exercises can suffice.
Dr. Aklesh Yadav, director of the Orthopedics and Joint Replacement Department at Max Hospital, discussed this.
Dr. Aklesh points out that prolonged knee pain can be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis is not a single disease but a group of joint problems, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions most often manifest in the knee, hip, and wrist joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and gradual joint damage.
Serious reasons for concern include symptoms such as constant joint pain, swelling, prolonged stiffness after waking up, difficulty walking, and reduced joint mobility. If simultaneous swelling of several joints or prolonged morning stiffness is observed, a medical examination is necessary.
According to Dr. Aklesh, joint replacement surgery is considered if the patient does not find relief from physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, prescribed medications, and exercises. Whether the person experiences difficulties with movement is also taken into account; if there are walking problems, surgical intervention may be required.