Most knee pain can be managed without an operation. Stage-based care from an orthopaedic surgeon who does both non-surgical care and knee replacement — at ONE Healthcare Clinic, Tirumalagiri.
Book Clinic AppointmentYes — most knee pain does not need surgery. At ONE Healthcare Clinic, Tirumalagiri, Dr. Sumit Dubewar starts with a proper diagnosis (examination + standing X-ray), then a step-by-step plan: targeted exercise and physiotherapy, weight and activity changes, short courses of medicine, knee supports, and — for early-to-moderate (Grade 2–3) arthritis — PRP or other regenerative injections. Surgery is advised only when the knee is badly damaged or mechanically blocked.
Treatment is built up in steps. Most patients improve on the first two or three steps; injections are added only when they are likely to help.
Examination, standing (weight-bearing) X-ray to grade any arthritis, and MRI only when it will change the plan. Blood tests (e.g., vitamin D, uric acid, inflammatory markers) when indicated.
Quadriceps, hip and core strengthening is the single most proven treatment for knee arthritis and kneecap pain. You get a home programme you can follow — see our knee exercise guide.
Losing even 5–10% of body weight noticeably reduces knee load. Cushioned footwear, a walking stick in the opposite hand when needed, and reducing deep squatting and floor sitting during flare-ups.
Paracetamol, topical anti-inflammatory gels and short courses of tablets when appropriate, with attention to stomach, kidney and heart safety. Long-term painkiller use is avoided.
PRP injection prepared from your own blood, alone or with hyaluronic acid; for selected patients, bone-marrow (BMAC) or fat-derived (mFAT) concentrate. These aim to reduce pain and improve function — they do not regrow a worn-out joint. We do not use routine steroid injections for osteoarthritis.
| X-ray grade | What it means | Usual plan |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1–2 | Early wear, joint space mostly preserved | Exercise, weight management, footwear; PRP considered for persistent pain at Grade 2 |
| Grade 3 | Moderate narrowing, bony spurs | All of the above; PRP / regenerative injection is a reasonable option to reduce pain and delay surgery |
| Grade 4 | Bone-on-bone, often with deformity (bow legs) | Injections are not recommended. Knee replacement usually gives the most reliable relief. For patients medically unfit for surgery, radiofrequency nerve ablation may be considered as a last resort — it reduces pain signals but does not treat the joint, and masking pain can allow further joint damage. |
Arthroscopic “washout” or “cleaning” of an arthritic knee is not recommended — good-quality studies show it does not help arthritis pain.
When surgery is the better option, Dr. Sumit also performs robotic knee replacement and ACL reconstruction.
घुटने के ज़्यादातर दर्द का इलाज बिना ऑपरेशन के होता है — सही जाँच (एक्स-रे), व्यायाम, वज़न नियंत्रण, दवाइयाँ और ज़रूरत पड़ने पर Grade 2–3 गठिया में PRP इंजेक्शन। Dr. Sumit Dubewar, ONE Healthcare Clinic, तिरुमलगिरी, सिकंदराबाद।
చాలా రకాల మోకాలి నొప్పికి ఆపరేషన్ అవసరం లేదు — సరైన పరీక్ష (ఎక్స్-రే), వ్యాయామం, బరువు నియంత్రణ, మందులు, అవసరమైతే Grade 2–3 ఆర్థరైటిస్లో PRP ఇంజెక్షన్. Dr. Sumit Dubewar, ONE Healthcare Clinic, తిరుమలగిరి, సికింద్రాబాద్.
Most knee pain improves without surgery. Exercise therapy, weight management, short courses of medicine and, for Grade 2–3 arthritis, PRP or regenerative injections help the majority of patients. Arthritis cannot be reversed, but pain and function can usually be improved substantially.
Surgery is usually advised for Grade 4 (bone-on-bone) arthritis with severe pain or deformity, a locked knee from a displaced meniscus tear, or an unstable knee after an ACL tear in an active person. A hot, swollen knee with fever needs urgent same-day care.
Steroid injections give short-term relief, often only a few weeks, and repeated use may harm cartilage. PRP is prepared from your own blood and in several studies gave longer pain relief than steroid or hyaluronic acid injections in early-to-moderate arthritis, although results vary. We do not use routine steroid injections for osteoarthritis.
Exercise programmes usually show benefit in 4–8 weeks of regular practice. PRP effects are typically assessed at about 3 months. A follow-up visit at 4–6 weeks is used to adjust the plan.
Exercises and medicines can still help daily comfort, but injections are not recommended for Grade 4 arthritis. Knee replacement usually gives the most reliable relief. For people unfit for surgery, radiofrequency nerve ablation may be considered as a last resort.
Dr. Sumit Dubewar, orthopaedic surgeon, consults at ONE Healthcare Clinic (OrthoRegen), Tirumalagiri, Secunderabad. Appointments: +91 93704 98182 (phone or WhatsApp).
ONE Healthcare Clinic is a day-care clinic and does not offer cashless insurance; treatment is paid directly. Costs of any recommended treatment are explained before you decide.
MBBS, DNB (Orthopaedics), FIJR (joint replacement fellowship), FIASM (arthroscopy & sports medicine fellowship), MNAMS, DABRM (USA) — 10+ years in orthopaedics.
Dr. Sumit provides non-surgical, regenerative and surgical knee care, including knee replacement; the options suitable for your knee are discussed at consultation. Consultations in English, Hindi, Telugu and Marathi.
This page is for patient education and does not replace an in-person consultation. Results of any treatment vary from person to person. Medically reviewed by Dr. Sumit Dubewar · Last reviewed 23 October 2026. Disclaimer
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