Get clear, evidence-based answers regarding your knee pain, the role of physiotherapy, and the most effective ways to manage Knee OA without relying on surgery.
Knee Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the knee joint bones. While it was once called 'wear and tear,' modern science shows the joint needs movement and loading to stay healthy. Avoiding movement out of fear of damage actually makes it worse. Physiotherapy focuses on safe, controlled loading to rebuild strength and resilience.
Physiotherapy, specifically targeted exercise (like quadriceps and hip strengthening), is the first-line treatment recommended by international clinical guidelines. It reduces pain, improves function, and increases muscle strength to offload the joint, offering better and longer-lasting results than pain medication or injections alone. Your physiotherapist is an expert in tailoring this program to your specific needs.
No. Feeling some soreness or a slight increase in discomfort during exercise is normal, especially at first, but it does not mean you are causing damage. Your physiotherapist will design a personalized program (including proper dosage, intensity, and frequency) to strengthen your knee safely. The goal is to keep pain within an acceptable level (usually 0-5 on a 0-10 scale) and ensure any post-exercise soreness settles within 24 hours.
Weight management is critically important. Carrying extra body weight significantly increases the load on your knee joint—every extra kilogram of weight is several kilograms of force on the knee. Losing even a small percentage of body weight (5-10%) significantly reduces this stress, which directly translates to less pain and improved function. We integrate nutritional advice with exercise therapy for best results.
Joint replacement surgery is generally recommended only after a complete course of optimal non-surgical management (physiotherapy, exercise, weight management, assistive devices) has been trialled without sufficient relief, and the pain significantly impacts your daily life and function. Surgery is typically considered a last resort, not the first option.
No. Imaging (X-rays/MRIs) is often not required to diagnose Knee OA or start physiotherapy. Treatment is guided by your symptoms, pain levels, mobility, and functional limitations, not just the image results. It's common for imaging to show severe 'wear and tear' in people with minimal pain, and vice versa. We treat the person, not the picture.
Don't let Osteoarthritis limit your life. Our expert physiotherapists in Chandigarh are ready to create your personalized recovery plan.
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