Still Relying On Pain Cream For Your Knee? Here’s Why Total Knee Replacement Might Be The Real Answer (Image Credits: iStock)
If you're reaching for that pain relief cream every morning just to get through the day, you might be missing a bigger issue. That nagging knee pain isn’t just age catching up—it could be your body's way of saying it’s time for a more permanent solution.
Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, once considered a last resort, is now a common and effective procedure that helps people get back to pain-free living. So, how do you know when it's time to stop treating the symptoms and start fixing the root problem? We got in touch with Dr Sandeep Wasnik, Consultant, Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, to understand the signs that it’s time to consider knee replacement.
1. Persistent Pain That Won’t Quit
If painkillers, physiotherapy, and topical creams have become a part of your daily routine with no lasting relief, your knee may have progressed beyond conservative treatment.
"Needing painkillers more than once a week is a red flag," says Dr Wasnik. "If pain persists even while you're resting, it could mean the cartilage has worn out completely, making surgery the best option for long-term relief," he said.
2. Struggling With Basic Movements
Walking, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair shouldn’t feel like a battle. "Mobility issues that interfere with daily activities or stop you from enjoying social events or travel are clear indicators," Dr Wasnik explains. "If you're skipping family functions or vacations due to knee discomfort, you should get evaluated for TKR."
3. Relying on Short-Term Fixes
Sure, that knee brace or steroid injection may give you a temporary break from the pain, but it’s not a cure.
"These are Band-Aid solutions," Dr Wasnik explains. "They don’t treat the root cause, which is often the worn-out joint itself. Knee replacement replaces the damaged surface, offering a lasting fix."
4. Your Quality of Life Has Taken a Hit
When knee pain limits your ability to stay active or do the things you love—like your morning walk or playing with grandkids—it impacts more than just your joints.
"Many of my patients come in feeling frustrated, anxious, and even depressed," shares Dr Wasnik. "Post-surgery, they not only feel physically better but report improved mood and overall happiness."
5. You Notice a DeformityIf your knee looks crooked, bowed, or has started angling unnaturally, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue.
"Visible deformities mean there’s structural damage to the joint, which can lead to more serious complications if not corrected in time," says Dr Wasnik. "Surgery can realign the joint and prevent further deterioration."
The good news? Advances in surgical techniques and implant technology have made knee replacements safer and more successful than ever before. Most patients are walking within a day or two after surgery and return to normal activities within weeks.
So, if pain creams have become your everyday companion, it might be time to put them down and have a conversation with your orthopaedic surgeon. Relief—and a better quality of life—could be just one surgery away.
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