For millions of people, knee pain starts as a minor inconvenience, a slight stiffness after a long walk or a twinge while climbing stairs. But for many, especially as they age or continue to push through years of untreated discomfort, this pain gradually evolves into something far more limiting, affecting mobility, sleep, and everyday independence. Conditions like osteoarthritis, sports injuries, or long-term wear and tear can silently damage the knee joint until simple movements become a daily struggle. While medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes remain the first line of treatment, they don't always offer lasting relief once the joint damage becomes advanced. This is where knee replacement surgery enters the conversation, not as a last resort, but as a well-timed medical decision that can restore function and quality of life. Even with the advancement of technology and integration of AI, knee surgery has seen significant changes in the medical industry. It has made the complex process simpler and more precise by delivering sub-millimetre precision, highly personalised care, and faster recovery times for patients. The significant innovations in orthopaedic surgery include robotic assistants, AI, AR, 3D printing and smart implants.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/precision-in-motion-how-technology-is-shaping-orthopaedic-surgery-1787828555734">Precision in motion: How technology is shaping orthopaedic surgery?</a><h3>Specialists react to knee surgery</h3>In response, Dr Vineet Tyagi, Director, Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement &amp; Sports Injury Specialist, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, said, "One of the most common things we hear from patients is, I have learned to live with the pain.’ While some degree of knee discomfort can be managed conservatively, persistent pain that affects walking, climbing stairs, sleep, or everyday activities should not be ignored. The goal of knee replacement surgery is not just to relieve pain, but to help patients regain their mobility and independence. What is particularly exciting today is how technology is helping us deliver more personalised care. Robotic-assisted knee replacement allows us to plan the procedure based on a patient's unique anatomy and execute that plan with a high degree of precision. This helps us achieve optimal implant positioning and alignment, which are important factors in the overall success of the surgery. For many patients, this means getting back to the activities they enjoy and living a more active life."&nbsp;Echoing similar views, Dr Abhishek Kumar, Associate Director, Orthopaedics &amp; Joint Replacement, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension, said, "Many patients continue to live with severe knee pain for years, believing surgery should only be considered as a last resort. However, when knee arthritis begins to significantly limit movement, affect sleep, or reduce independence, it may be time to consult an orthopaedic specialist about surgical options. Modern knee replacement procedures are very different from those performed a decade ago. The integration of advanced imaging, digital planning, and robotic-assisted technology allows surgeons to better understand each patient's unique anatomy and perform procedures with enhanced precision. Robotic-assisted surgery helps support accurate bone preparation and implant placement, contributing to a more personalised treatment approach. As orthopaedic technology continues to evolve, patients can benefit from solutions designed to improve function, mobility, and overall quality of life following knee replacement surgery."&nbsp;

With the advancement of technology and the integration of AI, knee surgery has seen significant changes in the medical industry. It has made the complex process simpler and more precise by delivering sub-millimetre precision, highly personalised care, and faster recovery times for patients.

For millions of people, knee pain starts as a minor inconvenience, a slight stiffness after a long walk or a twinge while climbing stairs. But for many, especially as they age or continue to push through years of untreated discomfort, this pain gradually evolves into something far more limiting, affecting mobility, sleep, and everyday independence. Conditions like osteoarthritis, sports injuries, or long-term wear and tear can silently damage the knee joint until simple movements become a daily struggle. While medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes remain the first line of treatment, they don't always offer lasting relief once the joint damage becomes advanced. This is where knee replacement surgery enters the conversation, not as a last resort, but as a well-timed medical decision that can restore function and quality of life. Even with the advancement of technology and integration of AI, knee surgery has seen significant changes in the medical industry. It has made the complex process simpler and more precise by delivering sub-millimetre precision, highly personalised care, and faster recovery times for patients. The significant innovations in orthopaedic surgery include robotic assistants, AI, AR, 3D printing and smart implants. Also read: Precision in motion: How technology is shaping orthopaedic surgery? Specialists react to knee surgery In response, Dr Vineet Tyagi, Director, Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement & Sports Injury Specialist, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, said, "One of the most common things we hear from patients is, I have learned to live with the pain.’ While some degree of knee discomfort can be managed conservatively, persistent pain that affects walking, climbing stairs, sleep, or everyday activities should not be ignored. The goal of knee replacement surgery is not just to relieve pain, but to help patients regain their mobility and independence. What is particularly exciting today is how technology is helping us deliver more personalised care. Robotic-assisted knee replacement allows us to plan the procedure based on a patient's unique anatomy and execute that plan with a high degree of precision. This helps us achieve optimal implant positioning and alignment, which are important factors in the overall success of the surgery. For many patients, this means getting back to the activities they enjoy and living a more active life." Echoing similar views, Dr Abhishek Kumar, Associate Director, Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension, said, "Many patients continue to live with severe knee pain for years, believing surgery should only be considered as a last resort. However, when knee arthritis begins to significantly limit movement, affect sleep, or reduce independence, it may be time to consult an orthopaedic specialist about surgical options. Modern knee replacement procedures are very different from those performed a decade ago. The integration of advanced imaging, digital planning, and robotic-assisted technology allows surgeons to better understand each patient's unique anatomy and perform procedures with enhanced precision. Robotic-assisted surgery helps support accurate bone preparation and implant placement, contributing to a more personalised treatment approach. As orthopaedic technology continues to evolve, patients can benefit from solutions designed to improve function, mobility, and overall quality of life following knee replacement surgery."

With the advancement of technology and the integration of AI, knee surgery has seen significant changes in the medical industry. It has made the complex process simpler and more precise by delivering sub-millimetre precision, highly personalised care, and faster recovery times for patients.

Beyond joint pain and knowing when knee surgery becomes right choice

Persistent joint pain is frequently brushed aside as a byproduct of ageing, long workdays, or everyday wear and tear. It is also often associated with fatigue, ageing, or daily strain. However, when there’s no history of injury, then such discomfort might be an early warning sign of arthritis that needs timely attention.&nbsp;The most affected parts of the joints in the legs are the knee and hip, which can also affect younger individuals, particularly those who have a genetic history, obesity, a history of joint injury, or metabolic disorders.&nbsp;According to Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj, Director, Sports &amp; Joint Replacement Surgery at PSRI Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sheikh Sarai–II, New Delhi, unexplained joint pain may point to the early stages of arthritis, a progressive disease that can severely impact mobility and quality of life if left untreated.&nbsp;"Joint pain is often associated with fatigue, ageing, or daily strain, but when there’s no history of injury, issues like these should not be ignored. Such discomfort may be an early warning sign of arthritis, which is a progressive joint disease that can significantly affect mobility and quality of life if left untreated," Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj said.&nbsp;"The knee and hip are the most affected joints, especially in older adults, but arthritis is a condition that can also affect younger individuals, particularly those with a genetic history, obesity, a history of joint injury, or metabolic disorders. Inflammatory types of arthritis may additionally lead to fatigue, generalised stiffness, and low-grade fever, indicating involvement beyond the joints," he added.<h3>Some of the notable early signs are as follows:</h3>1. Gradual onset of joint pain: Pain that worsens with daily activities and does not subside easily, often starting as occasional discomfort and gradually becoming more persistent, especially after walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing. 2. Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest: Difficulty initiating movement after waking up or sitting for long periods, with the joint feeling tight or heavy before slowly loosening with activity. 3. Swelling or tenderness around joints: Sometimes accompanied by warmth or mild redness, reflecting inflammation inside the joint that may cause visible puffiness and sensitivity to touch. 4. Reduced range of motion: A feeling of restriction while bending or moving the joint, limiting flexibility and making simple actions like squatting, turning, or gripping objects uncomfortable. 5. Grating or clicking sensations: A grinding sound or feeling inside the joint during movement, which may indicate early cartilage degeneration or irregular joint surfaces.&nbsp;Dr Bhardwaj stressed that early diagnosis plays a significant role in de-escalating the disease. With timely intervention, symptoms can often be managed through physiotherapy, weight control, lifestyle modifications, medications, and activity regulation, allowing patients to retain mobility and independence.&nbsp;"Surgery becomes a viable option when arthritis worsens and starts to significantly interfere with day-to-day activities. The treatment of advanced arthritis has been revolutionised by robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery. A customised 3D plan of the patient's joint is made using detailed imaging before surgery. To remove damaged bones and cartilage and precisely position the artificial implant during the procedure, the surgeon uses a robotic arm. This methodical approach attemptsprecise alignment, preserves healthy tissue, minimises surgical trauma, and enhances joint function and stability," he further added.&nbsp;This approach aims for accurate alignment, preservation of healthy tissue, reduced surgical trauma, and improved joint stability and function. Patients often experience less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and longer-lasting implant performance. Dr Bhardwaj cautioned that persistent joint pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Recognising early symptoms and seeking prompt medical care can help preserve joint health, prevent irreversible damage, and restore an active, pain-free life.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/the-whatsapp-fertility-doctor-why-unqualified-advice-travels-faster-than-evidence-1770033987435">The WhatsApp fertility doctor: Why unqualified advice travels faster than evidence</a>

The most affected parts of the joints in the legs are the knee and hip, which can also affect younger individuals, particularly those who have a genetic history, obesity, a history of joint injury, or metabolic disorders.

Persistent joint pain is frequently brushed aside as a byproduct of ageing, long workdays, or everyday wear and tear. It is also often associated with fatigue, ageing, or daily strain. However, when there’s no history of injury, then such discomfort might be an early warning sign of arthritis that needs timely attention. The most affected parts of the joints in the legs are the knee and hip, which can also affect younger individuals, particularly those who have a genetic history, obesity, a history of joint injury, or metabolic disorders. According to Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj, Director, Sports & Joint Replacement Surgery at PSRI Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sheikh Sarai–II, New Delhi, unexplained joint pain may point to the early stages of arthritis, a progressive disease that can severely impact mobility and quality of life if left untreated. "Joint pain is often associated with fatigue, ageing, or daily strain, but when there’s no history of injury, issues like these should not be ignored. Such discomfort may be an early warning sign of arthritis, which is a progressive joint disease that can significantly affect mobility and quality of life if left untreated," Dr Gaurav Bhardwaj said. "The knee and hip are the most affected joints, especially in older adults, but arthritis is a condition that can also affect younger individuals, particularly those with a genetic history, obesity, a history of joint injury, or metabolic disorders. Inflammatory types of arthritis may additionally lead to fatigue, generalised stiffness, and low-grade fever, indicating involvement beyond the joints," he added. Some of the notable early signs are as follows: 1. Gradual onset of joint pain: Pain that worsens with daily activities and does not subside easily, often starting as occasional discomfort and gradually becoming more persistent, especially after walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing. 2. Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest: Difficulty initiating movement after waking up or sitting for long periods, with the joint feeling tight or heavy before slowly loosening with activity. 3. Swelling or tenderness around joints: Sometimes accompanied by warmth or mild redness, reflecting inflammation inside the joint that may cause visible puffiness and sensitivity to touch. 4. Reduced range of motion: A feeling of restriction while bending or moving the joint, limiting flexibility and making simple actions like squatting, turning, or gripping objects uncomfortable. 5. Grating or clicking sensations: A grinding sound or feeling inside the joint during movement, which may indicate early cartilage degeneration or irregular joint surfaces. Dr Bhardwaj stressed that early diagnosis plays a significant role in de-escalating the disease. With timely intervention, symptoms can often be managed through physiotherapy, weight control, lifestyle modifications, medications, and activity regulation, allowing patients to retain mobility and independence. "Surgery becomes a viable option when arthritis worsens and starts to significantly interfere with day-to-day activities. The treatment of advanced arthritis has been revolutionised by robotic arm-assisted joint replacement surgery. A customised 3D plan of the patient's joint is made using detailed imaging before surgery. To remove damaged bones and cartilage and precisely position the artificial implant during the procedure, the surgeon uses a robotic arm. This methodical approach attemptsprecise alignment, preserves healthy tissue, minimises surgical trauma, and enhances joint function and stability," he further added. This approach aims for accurate alignment, preservation of healthy tissue, reduced surgical trauma, and improved joint stability and function. Patients often experience less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and longer-lasting implant performance. Dr Bhardwaj cautioned that persistent joint pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Recognising early symptoms and seeking prompt medical care can help preserve joint health, prevent irreversible damage, and restore an active, pain-free life. Also read: The WhatsApp fertility doctor: Why unqualified advice travels faster than evidence

The most affected parts of the joints in the legs are the knee and hip, which can also affect younger individuals, particularly those who have a genetic history, obesity, a history of joint injury, or metabolic disorders.

Persistent joint pain without injury: Early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Winter season comes with a number of health issues, such as cold, flu, pneumonia, sore throat, asthma attacks, etc. Joint pain is also quite usual when the temperature starts to drop, some people feel muscle spasms, which could worsen the joints, causing stiffness.

Winter season comes with a number of health issues, such as cold, flu, pneumonia, sore throat, asthma attacks, etc. Joint pain is also quite usual when the temperature starts to drop, some people feel muscle spasms, which could worsen the joints, causing stiffness. In extreme cold, people generally reduce physical work and other activities, which leads to discomfort in knees, hips, and ankles. Among the elderly, the situation becomes even worse as a majority already suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, which get aggravated during the winter season. To understand the cause and preventive measures in detail, WION spoke with Dr Ashwani Maichand (MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) and MCh (Orthopaedics)), who is from the department of orthopaedics, in the CK Birla Hospital. Dr Maichand, who has more than 25 years of surgical, clinical, and teaching experience, weighed in on a range of issues to elaborate on why some of the orthopaedic problems rise during the winter season. He said that there are two subgroups of patients during the winter season—"one with acute problems, and another group with chronic problems". He said that those with acute problems are mostly the younger group of patients, less than 40 years. In such cases, they suddenly get a spasm in the neck, back, or somewhere else—mostly in bigger muscles (trunk muscles). Dr Maichand explained that in such cases, people might experience "sudden spasms and can't move at all". It is generally a "temporary phenomenon", which lasts for a few days and after proper care, it settles down, he said. Then there are elderly patients. These are the patients who might be suffering from "chronic problems, such as spondylosis or arthritis in joints". Dr Maichand said that the number of these two types of patients increases during the winter season. Why does that happen? Dr Maichand mentioned during the conversation that the lack of activity in the winter season is one of the reasons. He said that people tend to reduce physical activity because of the cold weather outside. He said that the second reason is, the congestion of blood around the joint area as it gets collected and causes pain. He further explained that in younger people the muscles are already slightly contracted state because of low temperature and their length is sub-optimal. When people do sudden movements, it causes a tear of muscle fibres, and that causes pain. What are the preventive measures? "Must maintain outdoor activities like walking, cycling, gym, doing yoga, etc. Don't stop going outside. You can change your schedule but don't stop it," Dr Maichand said. He noted that "if you are suffering from a chronic problem, such as the elderly group that they must take their regular treatment". Whether it's physiotherapy or any medicine, don't stop it because, in the winter season, we become slightly sluggish and the "issue might get aggravated if we stop the treatment". On being about the treatment, Dr Maichand explained that there are options like physiotherapy, muscle strengthing and stretching exercises. The treatment varies, depending upon the severity of cases. (Image: Dr Ashwani Maichand) During the conversation with Dr Maichand stressed the below-mentioned points to avoid orthopaedic problems during the season: -Keep moving. Don't stop physical exercise. -Avoid weight gain. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. -Don't stop ongoing treatments. -Stay warm indoors as well as outdoors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Why does joint pain increase in winter season? Expert tells WION the reasons and preventive measures

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