No pain is easy to bear. When we talk about knee pain, it can be frustrating as it affects mobility and freedom. When it crosses your endurance levels, you may decide to get knee replacement surgery, primarily because it seems to be the only solution. However, rushing into knee surgery without fully understanding your condition, its root cause, and options can sometimes lead to more problems than benefits. Here are the top 6 reasons to think twice before making the decision.
1. Not All Knee Problems Require Surgery
Many knee issues – such as ligament strains, sprains, early osteoarthritis, minor meniscus tears, minor cartilage damage can be managed without surgery. You can often get relief from the knee pain caused by such issues with non-invasive treatment options like physiotherapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Surgery should be a last resort. If you are advised knee surgery by your doctor, it is always good to seek a second opinion from a trusted orthopaedic specialist.
2. Conservative Treatments Can Be Effective
In the initial stages of your knee issues, you may choose physical therapy, weight management, pain-relief injections, and make modifications to your lifestyle and activities. These conservative remedies can prove to be of significant help in reducing your knee pain and improving knee function. These options carry fewer risks and have shorter recovery times. With proper rest, exercise, and medical guidance, some knee conditions improve over time. Giving your body a chance to heal naturally can save you from invasive surgery. These remedies may help slow down your knee degeneration and postpone surgery till it becomes really necessary.
Also read: 10 Signs that Indicate You May Need Knee Replacement Surgery
3. Surgery Carries Risks
All surgeries, including total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, knee resurfacing, and even keyhole knee surgery (arthroscopy), come with a certain amount of risk. There is generally a risk of infection, blood clots, nerve injury, or persistent pain. At Sohana Hospital, advanced robotic-assisted knee surgery helps minimise many surgical risks and ensures precise implant placement — giving you the best chance at a smooth, faster recovery. Still, it is good to take some time to strengthen your body and explore other alternatives first.
4. Recovery Takes Time and Effort
Complete recovery after knee surgery can take a few weeks to three months. Although you generally start walking the same or next day after knee replacement – especially if you get robotic knee replacement, proper knee surgery recovery requires regular physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments, failing which it may take longer to recover. If your schedule or health is not optimal for post-surgery rehabilitation, waiting for some time might lead to better results when you finally get surgery done. Additionally, patients who work on strengthening the muscles around their knees often have a faster and easier recovery than those who are weaker at the time of surgery.
Estimated knee surgery recovery time according to health:
- Active people in sound health – 3 weeks
- People leading a sedentary lifestyle – 6 weeks
- Individuals in poor health – 3 months
5. Misdiagnosis or Incomplete Diagnosis
Sometimes knee pain is caused by nerve pain, hip pain, back problems, circulation, or alignment issues – not the knee itself. Rushing into surgery without a thorough evaluation by a seasoned orthopaedist could mean you may end up undergoing an unnecessary procedure that does not solve your problem. It does not mean that you should hang on until your knees are completely destroyed. It just means you should try conservative measures first. You should get knee surgery when you have persistent pain and advanced arthritis, and your doctor recommends surgery.
6. Artificial Joints Have a Lifespan
If you are considering a knee replacement at a younger age, remember that artificial joints generally last for about 15–25 years. You may need another replacement later, especially if you are over-weight, lead a physically inactive life, or do not follow your doctor’s advice regarding taking care of your new knees. Try to delay surgery until it is indeed necessary. This way, you can avoid multiple procedures in your lifetime.
What you can do is consult a reputed knee specialist in Chandigarh. If advised knee replacement, get a second opinion from another trusted orthopaedic surgeon. Following this, you can make up your mind on the best course of action.
A Real Patient Testimonial
Here we share a real patient testimonial who was able to avoid surgery of one of his knees by approaching an expert knee specialist for a second opinion.
The Bottom Line
Knee surgery can be life-changing when actually needed. However, it is not something you should take lightly. Always seek a second opinion, discuss and try all conservative treatment options, and make sure you are mentally and physically prepared before going ahead with the procedure. Sometimes, patience and the right non-surgical solutions can protect your knees as well as your overall health in the long run.