Knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) is one of the most common and successful surgeries for relieving chronic knee pain and restoring mobility. Yet myths and misunderstandings still cause fear and delay for many patients. This article separates myth from fact so you can make informed choices — and find the right care from the Best Orthopedic Doctor In Kurukshetra at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital.
Myth 1 — “Knee replacement is only for the very old.”
Fact: Age matters less than symptoms and function. While knee replacement is more common in older adults, patients in their 50s or even 40s with severe osteoarthritis, deformity, or loss of function can be excellent candidates. Decisions are individualized: surgeons consider pain level, daily activity limitations, X-ray findings, and overall health rather than age alone.
Why it matters: Waiting until pain becomes intolerable can harm muscles and reduce post-surgery recovery potential. Early referral to the Best Orthopedic Doctor In Kurukshetra at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital helps you weigh surgical timing, durable implants, and alternatives.
Myth 2 — “Knee replacements don’t last — I’ll need another one soon.”
Fact: Modern knee implants are durable. Advances in implant design, materials, and surgical technique give most patients 15–25 years of reliable function. Many patients experience excellent results well beyond 15 years, especially with good implant selection and proper rehabilitation.
What affects longevity: implant type, surgical accuracy, patient weight, activity levels, and infection control. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss implant options and how to maximize the life of your knee replacement.
Myth 3 — “After surgery I won’t be able to do sports or walk normally.”
Fact: Most patients regain normal walking ability and can return to low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and golf. High-impact sports (running, jumping sports) are often discouraged because they can increase wear on the implant. The goal of surgery is pain-free mobility and improved quality of life — not to limit everyday activities.
Rehabilitation is key. A structured physiotherapy program supervised by the hospital’s rehab team at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital helps restore strength, balance, and gait.
Myth 4 — “Knee replacement surgery is extremely risky.”
Fact: Like any surgery, knee replacement carries risks (infection, blood clots, implant loosening), but complication rates are low — especially when performed by experienced teams in accredited centres. Preoperative optimization (managing diabetes, quitting smoking, controlling weight), modern anesthesia techniques, sterile operating environments, and early mobilization all reduce risks significantly.
Choosing an experienced surgeon and a hospital with robust perioperative protocols — like the Best Orthopedic Doctor In Kurukshetra at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital — reduces risk and improves outcomes.
Myth 5 — “I’ll be in bed for weeks after surgery.”
Fact: Early mobilization is standard. Most patients start walking with assistance within 12–24 hours after surgery and go home within 1–4 days depending on their progress and support at home. Early movement lowers the risk of blood clots and speeds recovery. Your care team will provide a tailored recovery plan including pain control, exercises, and wound care instructions.
Myth 6 — “Knee replacement means a large, painful scar and long-lasting severe pain.”
Fact: Minimally invasive approaches and better pain management protocols (multimodal analgesia, nerve blocks, and perioperative medications) make modern knee replacement less painful than older techniques. Scars are typically modest and become less noticeable over time. The aim is controlled, manageable pain that improves quickly with rehabilitation.
Myth 7 — “Knee replacement is my only option.”
Fact: Surgery is one of several options. Non-surgical treatments — physiotherapy, weight loss, assistive devices (braces, canes), intra-articular injections (steroids, hyaluronic acid), and activity modification — are often tried first. However, when conservative measures fail to control pain or maintain function, knee replacement offers durable relief.
A consultation with the Best Orthopedic Doctor In Kurukshetra at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital will clarify whether non-surgical care remains appropriate or if surgery will offer better quality of life.
Myth 8 — “Artificial knees feel completely unnatural.”
Fact: Many patients report that a well-placed knee implant feels natural after rehabilitation — they forget they had surgery because the pain is gone and function returns. Some subtle differences in sensation are normal, but modern prostheses are designed to mimic natural knee motion closely.
Practical Facts Patients Should Know
1. Prehabilitation improves outcomes. Strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and optimizing weight before surgery help recovery. Smoking cessation and blood sugar control (if diabetic) are important.
2. Expect a staged recovery. First 2 weeks: wound healing and early walking. 6–12 weeks: most daily activities restored. 3–6 months: significant strength and endurance improvements. Full benefits can continue to improve up to a year.
3. Infection prevention is critical. Report fevers or wounds to your doctor promptly. Routine dental procedures or infections should be managed with your surgeon’s guidance, especially in the early months after surgery.
4. Choose your surgeon and hospital carefully. Experience matters. Outcomes improve when surgeons perform knee replacements regularly and when hospitals have coordinated pathways for surgery and rehabilitation.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Am I a good candidate for knee replacement right now?
What type of implant do you recommend and why?
What are the realistic functional goals and recovery timeline for me?
How will pain be managed after surgery?
What is the expected hospital stay and rehab plan?
What steps do you take to prevent infection and blood clots?
When to See a Specialist
If knee pain limits daily activities despite conservative care for several months, interferes with sleep, or causes deformity or instability, it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist. For reliable, patient-centred care, contact the Best Orthopedic Doctor In Kurukshetra at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital for an evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
Conclusion
Knee replacement is a proven, life-changing procedure for people with severe knee arthritis or injury. By separating myths from facts, you can approach decisions with confidence. Talk openly with your orthopedic team about risks, benefits, and timelines — and remember that choosing a trusted, experienced surgeon and a comprehensive care team, like those at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital, makes a major difference in outcomes.
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