Knee Replacement Surgery in Margao, Goa

When knee pain begins to dictate how far you can walk, how comfortably you sleep or whether you can manage everyday activities, it may be time to consider whether your current treatment is enough. At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic in Margao, Dr. Amol Narkhede assesses patients with advanced knee arthritis and other conditions that cause significant joint damage, helping them understand whether knee replacement is a suitable option. With more than 16 years of experience in orthopaedics and over 2,000 knee replacements performed, he brings extensive surgical experience to the assessment and treatment of patients whose knee problems have begun to affect their quality of life.

Knee replacement is generally considered when damage to the knee joint causes persistent pain, stiffness and difficulty moving, and non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

The most common reason for knee replacement is advanced osteoarthritis. The cartilage that normally cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears away, allowing the joint surfaces to become damaged. As the condition progresses, movement may become increasingly painful and everyday activities more difficult.

You may want to discuss knee replacement with an orthopaedic surgeon if you experience:

• Persistent knee pain that interferes with walking or standing.
• Pain that disturbs your sleep or continues even when resting.
• Stiffness that makes it difficult to bend or straighten your knee.
• Difficulty climbing stairs, getting up from a chair or using the toilet comfortably.
• Swelling and discomfort that repeatedly return.
• Reduced walking distance because of knee pain.
• Difficulty managing everyday activities despite medication or physiotherapy.
• Knee deformity or changes in the alignment of your leg.
• A significant decline in your independence because of knee problems.

These symptoms do not automatically mean that you need a replacement. Their significance depends on the underlying diagnosis, the extent of joint damage, your general health and how much the problem affects your daily life.

At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, Dr. Amol Narkhede evaluates these factors before discussing whether surgery is likely to offer meaningful benefits.

Knee replacement is most commonly associated with advanced osteoarthritis, but several conditions can damage the joint.

Osteoarthritis of the knee

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually deteriorates. As the joint becomes more damaged, movement may produce pain, stiffness and swelling.

Initially, discomfort may occur mainly after walking, climbing stairs or standing for extended periods. As the condition advances, pain may occur during shorter activities, disturb sleep or persist even when the knee is resting.

Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions

Inflammatory arthritis can affect the tissues within a joint and damage its surfaces over time. The knee may become painful, swollen and stiff, sometimes alongside symptoms in other joints.

In selected patients with severe joint damage, knee replacement may be considered when other treatments no longer provide adequate relief.

Previous knee injuries

A previous fracture, ligament injury or other significant knee injury can contribute to joint damage later in life. Some people develop post-traumatic arthritis, in which changes following an injury gradually affect the joint’s structure and function.

Whether replacement is appropriate depends on the extent of damage and the condition of the surrounding bones, ligaments and soft tissues.

What does advanced knee damage feel like?

Patients often describe the problem in everyday terms rather than medical terminology. You might notice that:

• Your knee hurts after walking even relatively short distances.
• You need to stop frequently when walking outdoors.
• Getting up from a chair requires considerable effort.
• Stairs have become difficult or uncomfortable.
• Your knee feels stiff after sitting for a while.
• Pain wakes you during the night.
• You rely increasingly on support from another person or a walking aid.
• Activities you previously enjoyed have become difficult to manage.

The important consideration is the combination of symptoms, examination findings and the degree of joint damage. An X-ray showing arthritis does not, by itself, mean that surgery is necessary. The decision also depends on how you feel and function.

At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, the assessment begins with understanding your experience of knee pain rather than assuming that surgery is the next step.

Dr. Amol Narkhede gives patients time to explain their symptoms and asks questions tailored to their condition. He may ask how long you have experienced pain, which activities aggravate it, whether it disturbs your sleep, how far you can walk and what treatments you have already tried.

He also considers your daily routine, mobility requirements and the extent to which the knee problem affects your independence.

Physical examination

Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Narkhede may ask you to walk, stand, bend your knee or perform particular movements. He may examine the knee while you are standing or lying on the examination bed.

The examination can help assess movement, stiffness, tenderness, swelling, stability and alignment. He considers these findings alongside your symptoms to understand the likely cause and severity of the problem.

Digital X-ray imaging

X-rays play an important role in assessing the bones and joint spaces when knee replacement is being considered.

Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic has digital radiography X-ray facilities on the same floor as the consultation rooms. If imaging is needed, you can have the X-ray at the clinic rather than searching for a separate imaging centre.

Once the images are available, you return to Dr. Narkhede, who reviews them and explains the findings in relation to your symptoms and physical examination.

X-rays can help show narrowing of the joint space, changes in bone shape, alignment and other features associated with arthritis. An MRI is not routinely necessary for every patient being considered for knee replacement, although additional investigations may be recommended when the clinical findings call for them.

Is surgery the right option?

The assessment considers whether your symptoms are sufficiently severe, whether the joint damage explains your difficulties and whether reasonable non-surgical options have been exhausted or are unlikely to provide adequate relief.

If surgery is not currently indicated, Dr. Narkhede can discuss the alternatives. If replacement appears appropriate, the next step is to explain the procedure, expected benefits, limitations, risks and rehabilitation requirements.

The purpose is to help you make an informed decision rather than rush you into an operation.

The appropriate treatment depends on the extent of joint damage, the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health.

Non-surgical treatment

For patients whose symptoms can still be managed without surgery, treatment may include activity modification, prescribed medication and physiotherapy. These approaches can help manage pain and maintain movement, strength and function.

The aim is to identify a suitable management plan while considering the patient’s needs and the severity of the condition. Advanced arthritis does not automatically require immediate surgery, but persistent pain and major functional limitations may indicate that conservative treatment is no longer sufficient.

Total knee replacement

Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial components designed to restore the joint’s function.

The surgeon prepares the damaged surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone and fits the replacement components. Depending on the individual case and surgical plan, the underside of the kneecap may also be resurfaced.

The purpose is to reduce pain and improve the ability to perform everyday activities. The operation does not recreate a completely natural knee, and outcomes vary according to the patient’s condition, the procedure and rehabilitation.

Partial knee replacement

Some patients have arthritis that is limited mainly to one compartment of the knee. If the remaining joint surfaces and supporting structures meet the necessary criteria, a partial knee replacement may be an option.

Rather than replacing the entire joint, the surgeon replaces the damaged compartment. Whether this is suitable depends on the location and extent of the arthritis, ligament function, alignment and other clinical findings.

Partial replacement is not appropriate for every patient with localised knee pain. The decision requires a detailed assessment of the joint.

What if knee replacement is not suitable yet?

If the assessment suggests that surgery is premature or unlikely to provide sufficient benefit, Dr. Narkhede may recommend continued conservative management or further investigation, depending on the diagnosis.

For some patients, the next step may involve physiotherapy to maintain strength and movement. Others may need a different treatment approach based on the underlying problem.

Knee replacement is a major operation, so the potential benefits must be weighed against the risks and the rehabilitation commitment involved.

Understanding the surgical journey can help patients prepare for the practical and physical demands of recovery.

Before surgery

Before proceeding, the surgical team assesses your general health, current medicines, medical history and suitability for the operation. Preoperative investigations may include blood tests and other assessments based on your individual needs.

You should inform the team about existing medical conditions, allergies, previous operations and any medicines you take, including blood-thinning medication. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without instructions from your treating team.

Preparation may also include exercises, advice about general health and arrangements for support at home after discharge. If you have difficulty with stairs or other household activities, planning ahead can make the initial recovery period easier.

The team will explain fasting instructions, medication guidance and the arrangements for admission. The exact process depends on the hospital and your medical circumstances.

During the operation

Knee replacement is performed in a hospital operating theatre under an anaesthesia plan selected by the anaesthesia and surgical teams.

The operation commonly takes around one to two hours, although the duration varies according to the complexity of the case and the procedure required.

For a total knee replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged joint surfaces and fits the artificial components. The wound is then closed and dressed, and you are monitored as you recover from anaesthesia.

The specific implant, surgical technique and other details depend on the individual treatment plan. These should be discussed with your surgeon before the procedure.

Immediately after surgery

Following surgery, the clinical team monitors your recovery, manages pain and helps you begin moving when it is safe to do so.

Many patients begin standing and walking with assistance relatively early, often with a walker or crutches. The timing and amount of weight you can place on the leg depend on your condition and the surgeon’s instructions.

You will also receive guidance about wound care, swelling management, medication and measures to reduce the risk of blood clots.

The length of the hospital stay varies according to your health, progress and the arrangements at the surgical facility.

Recovery and physiotherapy

Recovery continues after discharge. Physiotherapy and prescribed exercises help improve knee movement, strength, balance and walking ability.

At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, Dr. Rucha Narkhede provides physiotherapy independently at the same clinic. If rehabilitation through HBJ is recommended and suitable for your postoperative plan, she can guide you through prescribed exercises and demonstrate their correct technique.

It is important to follow the operating surgeon’s rehabilitation instructions, particularly during the early stages. Your programme should account for your progress, pain, swelling and any restrictions.

Many patients make meaningful progress during the first several weeks, but full recovery can take several months or longer. Returning to driving, work, longer walks and more demanding activities depends on your progress and the advice of your treating team.

There is no single recovery timeline that applies to everyone.

An assessment may be worthwhile when knee pain is consistently interfering with your quality of life and previous treatment has not helped sufficiently.

Consider consulting an orthopaedic surgeon if:

• Knee pain limits how far you can walk.
• You regularly wake at night because of knee discomfort.
• You struggle with stairs, standing or getting up from a chair.
• Your knee has become increasingly stiff or difficult to bend.
• You have persistent symptoms despite medication or physiotherapy.
• Arthritis is affecting your independence or everyday routine.
• You want to understand whether joint replacement is appropriate or whether other options remain.

A consultation does not commit you to surgery. It helps establish the extent of the problem and clarify which options are worth considering.

If you develop sudden severe knee pain with major swelling, deformity or an inability to bear weight, seek urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Your care begins by contacting Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic by phone or WhatsApp to enquire about a consultation with Dr. Amol Narkhede.

During the consultation, he listens to your concerns, asks questions about your symptoms and examines the knee. If an X-ray is needed, digital radiography facilities are available on the same floor as the consultation rooms.

He reviews the available findings and explains whether the symptoms and joint damage suggest that knee replacement may be beneficial. You can ask questions about the alternatives, the procedure and the rehabilitation involved before deciding how to proceed.

If surgery is recommended, the hospital, admission arrangements, preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up will need to be confirmed with the surgical team. Knee replacement surgery is not performed in the clinic’s consultation room, and the surgical facility should be specified directly by the clinic.

Physiotherapy may be part of the recovery plan. Dr. Rucha Narkhede practises independently at Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, where patients can enquire about rehabilitation at the same location, subject to the postoperative instructions provided by their operating team.

Dr. Amol and Dr. Rucha generally practise during the clinic’s operating hours, subject to individual availability. Dr. Amol’s availability may vary when he is undertaking surgery, so contact the clinic before visiting if you specifically wish to consult him.