Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain and disability among adults — especially after the age of 50. It develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears away, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
How Osteoarthritis Affects Life
Knee OA doesn’t just affect the joint — it affects the entire rhythm of life.
- Morning stiffness and difficulty climbing stairs
- Pain while walking or sitting cross-legged
- Trouble performing daily prayers or household work
- Loss of confidence in movement and fear of falling
With time, even simple tasks like getting up from a chair or walking to the gate become painful.
Can Osteoarthritis Be Prevented?
Yes, to an extent. Early prevention through lifestyle and exercise can delay or reduce the severity of OA.
✅ In Young Age — Build Strength Early
- Maintain healthy body weight to reduce stress on knees
- Include quadriceps and hamstring strengthening exercises
- Stay active with cycling, swimming, brisk walking
- Avoid prolonged squatting or heavy impact on knees
Strong muscles protect the cartilage and prevent early wear.
Importance of Physiotherapy in Older Age
When symptoms begin, physiotherapy helps maintain joint mobility and reduce pain.
Recommended Physiotherapy in Old Age:
- Quadriceps strengthening (straight leg raise, chair-sit exercises)
- Range of motion exercises (gentle bending and stretching)
- Hydrotherapy or mild resistance training in warm water
- Hot fomentation and ultrasound therapy for pain relief
Regular sessions improve flexibility, balance, and confidence in walking.
Understanding Grade 4 Knee OA
OA is classified into grades (1–4) based on X-ray findings and symptoms.
- Grade 1–2: Mild changes, early wear and tear
- Grade 3: Moderate cartilage loss, visible joint space reduction
- Grade 4: Severe bone-on-bone arthritis, deformity, and constant pain
At Grade 4, medications and physiotherapy may not be enough — surgical treatment like Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is the best option.
Modern Surgical Options — Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Total Knee Replacement has evolved dramatically over the last decade.
Modern implants and computer-assisted surgery offer:
- Minimal pain and blood loss
- Faster recovery — walking within 24–48 hours
- Customized implant alignment for natural movement
- Durable results lasting 20+ years
With proper rehabilitation, most patients resume their routine life, travel, and even climb stairs comfortably.
A Real-Life Experience — Bilateral Knee Replacement
A 62-year-old retired teacher came with severe knee pain for 6 years.
She had stopped going out, depending on her family for daily chores.
X-rays revealed Grade 4 OA in both knees.
We planned a staged bilateral TKR — one knee first, followed by the other after 3 months.
Within 6 weeks of each surgery, she regained full mobility and confidence.
When she visited for her final review, she said —
“Doctor, I feel like I got my life back. I can walk to the temple again.”
Such stories remind us that TKR not only replaces a joint — it restores freedom.
Final Thoughts
Knee Osteoarthritis is not an inevitable part of aging.
With early exercises, weight control, and regular physiotherapy, we can delay its onset.
And for those with advanced OA, modern knee replacement surgery offers excellent, lasting relief.
Healthy knees — active life — at any age.
About Dr. Khaleelullah
Services
- Knee & hip joint replacement
- Fracture & trauma care
- Sports injuries & arthroscopy
- Arthritis & back pain management
- Spine & deformity evaluation