New Knee, New Life – How Total Knee Replacement Can Help You Walk Again

Total knee replacement is a transformative procedure designed for people who struggle with severe knee pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. When everyday activities—walking, getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, or even standing for a few minutes—become painful, this surgery offers a way to regain comfort, mobility, and independence.

Modern implants and surgical techniques have made recovery faster and outcomes more successful, giving patients a chance to reclaim an active lifestyle, says Dr Karthik Gudaru, who is a senior orthopaedic surgeon and one of the best total knee replacement surgeons in Hyderabad and Telangana.

Why is Knee Replacement Done?

Knee replacement is usually recommended when the knee joint becomes so damaged that conservative treatments no longer help. Conditions like advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, long-standing injuries, or progressive cartilage wear can make the knee unstable and painful. As the joint deteriorates, it affects daily life, making even simple movements difficult. When pain becomes constant and mobility continues to decline, knee replacement becomes the most effective way to restore function.

What Is Total Knee Replacement?

As per Dr Karthik Gudaru, one of the most successful orthopaedic surgeons for knee joint treatments, says that a total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with durable artificial components made of metal and medical-grade plastic. These implants recreate the smooth movement of a natural knee. By replacing the damaged joint surfaces, the procedure reduces pain, improves alignment, and enables smoother, more stable movement.

What Does a Knee Implant Look Like?

A knee implant is carefully designed to resemble the natural shape of the knee joint. It usually consists of metal components for the thigh bone and shin bone, along with a high-grade polyethylene insert that acts as the joint’s cushioning surface. These materials—often cobalt-chromium, titanium alloy, and medical-grade plastic—are strong, long-lasting, and compatible with the human body. Although an artificial knee is not identical to a natural one, it closely mimics normal movement and provides smooth, stable function for daily activities.

How Total Knee Replacement Helps You Walk Again?

Once the damaged joint surfaces are replaced, friction and inflammation decrease dramatically. Patients experience reduced pain, less stiffness, and improved joint stability. This allows them to walk longer distances, climb stairs with greater comfort, and move more confidently. With proper physiotherapy and strengthening exercises, most people regain a natural walking pattern and return to activities they had avoided for years. The new joint supports body weight more efficiently and restores the ability to walk without constant discomfort.

Signs You May Need Total Knee Replacement

You may be a candidate for knee replacement if you experience symptoms such as:

• Persistent knee pain that doesn’t improve with rest, medication, or therapy
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
• Knee stiffness that limits bending or straightening
• Swelling that keeps returning or never fully goes away
• A feeling of the knee “giving way” or being unstable
• Severe arthritis diagnosed through X-rays
• Poor quality of life due to chronic knee discomfort

Recognising these signs early helps ensure timely treatment and prevents further joint degeneration. And if you suspect or see any of the above symptoms, it’s time to consult with Dr Karthik Gudaru, a Senior orthopaedic surgeon at GreenMed Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana.

Should Both Knees Be Operated at the Same Time?

In cases where both knees have osteoarthritis, surgeons generally operate on the knee causing more pain first. Often, once the more painful knee is corrected, the other knee experiences reduced load and improved comfort—sometimes eliminating the need for a second surgery. If a second operation is required, it is typically planned after a gap of around three to four months, once inflammation and healing from the first surgery are complete.

Some patients prefer having both knees replaced in a single sitting. The advantage is completing the entire treatment process at once, experiencing pain only once, and shortening the overall recovery period. However, this approach involves a higher surgical risk due to a longer operation time. It is more suitable for patients with severe deformity in both knees and those in good general health without major medical issues.

How Long Does a Knee Implant Last?

Most patients can expect their knee implant to last 20 years or more. Around 90% of individuals maintain excellent implant function long-term, especially when they maintain a healthy weight, follow recommended exercises, and avoid unnecessary strain on the joint. Modern materials and designs make today’s implants highly durable and reliable.

Recovery After Knee Replacement

Walking typically begins the very next day after surgery with supervised support. Many patients are able to stand, walk short distances, and manage simple daily tasks on the first postoperative day. Since knee replacement is a major surgery, mild swelling around the wound is normal. The dressing is kept clean and dry, and stitches are usually removed within 10 to 14 days depending on healing.

Most patients regain near-normal knee function within two to four weeks. Everyday movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or sitting with crossed legs become easier as strength returns. Squatting or sitting on the floor can be possible for those with good muscle strength and flexibility, although elderly patients often achieve a comfortable bending range of 100 to 120 degrees. Women who wear heels are advised to switch to lower heels for better knee protection, as high heels place more pressure on the joint.

Physical Therapy After Surgery

Physiotherapy begins daily during hospitalisation. This early rehabilitation helps restore flexibility, balance, muscle tone, and overall mobility. After discharge, patients continue exercises at home. Range of motion and muscle strength improve progressively, allowing a return to normal daily activities within weeks. With consistent therapy, patients experience improved gait, stronger muscles, and a smoother walking pattern.

Possible Side Effects After Knee Replacement

Some temporary effects, such as mild fever and swelling, are common and resolve naturally. However, patients must watch for signs of infection like excessive redness or abnormal swelling near the wound. Another rare but serious concern is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition involving blood clots in the legs. This risk is highest in the first month after surgery. Early walking, prescribed medications, and regular movement significantly reduce this risk.

Will the Knee Function Normally Again?

While an artificial knee is not identical to a natural one, it greatly improves mobility and comfort. Many patients regain the ability to walk independently, participate in daily activities, and return to routines they had paused for years. For seniors, especially, knee replacement often restores independence and brings relief to both the patient and their family.