• The knee works like a hinge but also allows slight rotation

• Cartilage acts as a cushion and allows pain-free movement

• Ligaments and muscles keep the joint stable

• When cartilage wears away, bone rubs on bone, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness

• Osteoarthritis: Age-related wear and tear, the most frequent cause

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that inflames the joint lining

• Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis after a fracture, ligament injury, or other injury to the knee

• Avascular necrosis: Loss of blood supply to the bone, causing it to collapse

• Severe deformity: Such as marked bow legs or knock knees over many years

• Other conditions: Including infections and certain inflammatory diseases

• Are above 50 years of age

• Are overweight, which increases the load on the knees

• Have had a previous knee injury, ligament tear, or fracture

• Have a family history of arthritis

• Do heavy physical work, repeated squatting, or kneeling

• Have rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions

• Are a woman, especially after menopause

• Have a sedentary lifestyle with weak thigh muscles

• Pain while walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair or the floor

• Pain at rest or at night that disturbs sleep

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting

• Swelling around the knee

• A grating or cracking sensation in the joint

• A knee that feels weak or gives way

• Bowing of the legs or a change in the shape of the knee

• Reduced walking distance and loss of independence

• Knee pain is severe and limits daily activities such as walking, stairs, or sleep

• X-rays show advanced arthritis with loss of joint space

• Medicines, physiotherapy, weight management, and injections no longer help enough

• There is a significant deformity of the knee

• The pain reduces your quality of life and independence

• You are healthy enough to undergo surgery and take part in rehabilitation

• Listening carefully to your symptoms, lifestyle, and expectations

• A thorough examination of the knee, legs, and walking pattern

• Starting with non-surgical options where they are likely to help

• Explaining honestly whether replacement is needed and when

• Planning surgery and rehabilitation carefully, so you know what to expect

• Following your progress after treatment

• History: When the pain began, what makes it better or worse, previous injuries, treatments tried, and medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease

• Physical examination: Swelling, tenderness, range of movement, alignment, stability, and the way you walk

• X-rays: Often taken while standing, to show cartilage loss, bone changes, and deformity

• MRI: In selected cases, to assess ligaments, cartilage, or other causes of pain. Please confirm availability at or through Jigyasa Hospital

• Blood tests: To check overall health, and for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, or anaemia

• Fitness assessment before surgery: Including heart, lung, kidney, and sugar control checks as needed

• Weight loss: Even a modest reduction lowers the load on the knees

• Exercise and physiotherapy: Strengthening the thigh muscles and improving flexibility

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines: As prescribed, with care in people who have stomach, kidney, or heart conditions

• Hot and cold therapy: To ease pain and stiffness

• Walking aids and knee supports: Such as a cane or brace, if advised

• Footwear changes: Supportive, cushioned shoes

• Injections: Such as steroid or other joint injections for selected patients. Mention only if offered at Jigyasa Hospital

• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding repeated deep squatting or heavy kneeling when advised

• The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone from the ends of the thigh bone and shin bone

• These surfaces are replaced with metal components shaped to fit the bone

• A smooth medical-grade plastic spacer is placed between them so the joint glides easily

• The underside of the kneecap may also be resurfaced, depending on the case

• The implant is fixed in place and the knee is checked for movement and stability

• Total knee replacement: The whole joint surface is replaced; the most common type for advanced arthritis

• Partial knee replacement: Only one damaged part of the knee is replaced, suitable for selected patients with limited damage

• Revision knee replacement: A repeat operation to replace or repair a worn or failed implant

• Bilateral knee replacement: Both knees are replaced, sometimes in the same session or in two stages, depending on the patient health. Mention only if offered and appropriate

• Complete all advised tests and fitness checks

• Keep conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure well controlled

• Inform your doctor about all medicines you take, including blood thinners

• Stop smoking, as it slows healing

• Follow instructions about fasting before surgery

• Practise the exercises that your physiotherapist advises, and learn to use a walker or crutches

• Arrange your home: remove loose rugs, add a raised toilet seat or support bars, and set up a comfortable chair and bed

• Plan for family support during the first weeks after surgery

• Pain control through medicines and, where used, nerve blocks or other methods

• Early walking with support, usually within a day or so of surgery, as advised by the surgeon

• Physiotherapy begins in the hospital

• Measures to reduce the risk of blood clots, such as medicines, stockings, and early movement

• Wound care and monitoring for any complications

• Instructions for home care before discharge

• First few weeks: Walking with support, controlling pain and swelling, and gentle bending and straightening exercises

• Around six weeks onwards: Gradually reducing support, improving strength, and returning to light daily activities

• Three months and beyond: Continued strengthening and improving stamina, with further gains over several months

• Long term: Many patients enjoy less pain and better mobility, and follow-up visits monitor the implant

• Do your exercises regularly as taught by the physiotherapist

• Walk daily and increase the distance gradually

• Keep the leg elevated and use cold packs as advised to reduce swelling

• Follow wound care instructions and keep the dressing clean and dry

• Avoid sitting or lying in one position for too long

• Use support such as a walker or cane until your surgeon allows you to stop

• Do not skip follow-up appointments

• Infection of the wound or joint

• Blood clots in the leg veins, which can travel to the lungs

• Stiffness of the knee

• Persistent pain or swelling

• Implant loosening or wear over time

• Injury to nerves or blood vessels, which is rare

• Anaesthesia-related risks

• Need for further surgery in some cases

• Stay active with low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, and cycling

• Avoid high-impact activities and heavy lifting unless your surgeon says otherwise

• Maintain a healthy weight to protect the implant

• Attend regular follow-ups

• Inform your doctor or dentist about your implant before certain procedures, if advised

• Discuss with your surgeon about sitting on the floor, squatting, or cross-legged positions, since advice depends on the patient and implant

Myth: Knee replacement is only for very old people. Fact: Age alone is not the deciding factor; the condition of the joint, symptoms, and overall health are what matter.

Myth: Once you have knee pain, you need surgery. Fact: Many patients are managed well with exercise, weight loss, medicines, and other non-surgical treatment.

Myth: You will not be able to walk after the surgery. Fact: Most patients are encouraged to walk with support very soon after surgery.

Myth: The artificial knee will wear out quickly. Fact: Modern implants often last many years, though lifespan varies.

Myth: Surgery is the end of all pain and restriction. Fact: Surgery can greatly reduce pain, but results depend on rehabilitation and individual factors.

Myth: Waiting as long as possible is always better. Fact: Delay beyond a point can lead to severe deformity, muscle weakness, and loss of function, so timely advice matters.

Specialist consultation: Orthopedic consultation with Dr. Shariq Arshad for knee pain, arthritis, and joint problems.

Honest guidance: A clear explanation of whether surgery is needed or non-surgical care is enough.

Planned treatment: Thorough pre-surgery evaluation, clear explanation of the procedure, risks, benefits, and recovery, with rehabilitation guidance and follow-up care.

Convenient location: Care close to home in Moradabad, so family can be near during treatment.