Is joint replacement surgery painful?

The surgery itself is done under anaesthesia so it is not painful. Post-operative pain is managed with medication and typically eases over the initial recovery days.

Can both knees be replaced at the same time?

This is decided individually based on overall health, fitness for anaesthesia and surgeon assessment during your consultation.

What activities should be avoided after joint replacement?

High-impact activities such as running or jumping are generally discouraged after knee or hip replacement; low-impact activities are usually encouraged once healing is complete, as advised by your surgeon.

Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?

Yes, structured physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery to regain strength and range of motion after joint replacement.

How soon can I return to normal activities after joint replacement surgery: knee & hip?

Recovery varies with the individual and the extent of treatment. Dr. Vishal I. Murkute gives you a written recovery and follow-up plan after the procedure, and reviews progress at each scheduled visit.

Joint Replacement Surgery: Knee & Hip

Short answer: Joint replacement (arthroplasty) removes a severely damaged, arthritic joint surface and replaces it with an artificial implant to relieve pain and restore movement when other treatments no longer help.

Orthopaedic surgeon explaining a knee replacement implant model and X-ray to a patient in Kharadi, Pune — Joint replacement planning starts with X-ray review and implant discussion.

Type: Major orthopaedic surgery (knee, hip and other joints)
Common candidates: Advanced osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, old fractures
Main assessment: Clinical exam, X-rays, fitness workup
Anaesthesia: Spinal or general anaesthesia
Hospital stay: Typically a few days, at an associated hospital

Overview

A joint such as the knee or hip is a smooth-gliding surface cushioned by cartilage. When this cartilage wears away — from arthritis, injury or ageing — bone rubs on bone, causing pain, stiffness and deformity.

Joint replacement surgery resurfaces the damaged joint with metal and high-grade plastic or ceramic components, allowing pain-free, more natural movement once healed.

Who It Is For

Advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis with severe pain not relieved by medicines, physiotherapy or injections
Joint deformity affecting walking or daily activities
Avascular necrosis (bone death) of the hip
Old, badly healed fractures around a joint
Night pain that disturbs sleep despite conservative treatment

Who May Not Be Suitable

Active infection anywhere in the body
Uncontrolled medical conditions that make anaesthesia unsafe until stabilised
Very early arthritis where conservative treatment can still help
Final suitability is decided after clinical and fitness assessment.

Preparation

Before surgery, a detailed clinical evaluation, X-rays, blood tests and anaesthesia fitness clearance are carried out. Any infection (including dental or urinary) is treated in advance, and blood sugar and blood pressure are optimised.

Pre-operative blood and imaging investigations
Anaesthetist fitness evaluation
Physiotherapy counselling for post-operative exercises
Arrangements for a short hospital stay and home support during initial recovery

Procedure Steps

Anaesthesia (spinal or general) is administered
The damaged joint surface is removed through a surgical incision
The bone ends are precisely shaped to accept the implant
Implant components are fixed in place and joint movement is checked
The incision is closed and a dressing/bandage applied

Recovery

Walking with support usually begins within a day or two of surgery under physiotherapist supervision. Recovery is gradual, with steady improvement in walking distance and joint bending over several weeks.

Assisted walking (walker/stick) started early after surgery
Structured physiotherapy for strength and range of motion
Gradual return to daily activities over weeks
Full benefit of surgery generally seen over a few months

Aftercare

Follow the prescribed physiotherapy programme regularly
Take medicines (pain relief, blood-thinners if advised) as directed
Attend follow-up visits for wound check and X-rays
Avoid high-impact activities; low-impact exercise is generally encouraged once healed

Risks / Possible Complications

Infection at the surgical site or around the implant
Blood clots in the leg veins
Implant loosening or wear over many years
Stiffness or limited range of motion
Anaesthesia-related risks

Expected Outcomes

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after joint replacement, though the exact improvement depends on pre-surgery joint condition, overall health and adherence to physiotherapy. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations for your specific case.

Cost Factors

Cost depends on the diagnosis, the tests required, the technology or implant chosen and the length of treatment or follow-up.

The clinic explains the full cost — tests, procedure and follow-up visits — before you agree to treatment. There are no hidden charges.

Insurance and cashless approval depend on your policy and the procedure; the front desk helps with the paperwork wherever a claim applies.

Call the clinic on 070303 11311 for current pricing and insurance details.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

Evaluation by Dr. Vishal Murkute, Orthopaedic Surgeon (MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics), fellowship-trained in joint replacement and arthroscopy
Unhurried consultation with treatment options explained clearly
Structured pre-operative workup and physiotherapy guidance
Surgery performed at an associated hospital — Sahyadri Superspecialty Hospital (Yerawada), Manipal Hospital (Kharadi) or Medipoint Hospital (Chandannagar); the team confirms the exact venue at your consultation.
Convenient Kharadi location for follow-up care

Questions patients ask

What is joint replacement surgery?
It is surgery that removes a severely damaged joint surface, usually the knee or hip, and replaces it with an artificial implant made of metal, plastic or ceramic, to relieve pain and restore movement.
Who needs a joint replacement?
People with advanced arthritis or joint damage causing severe pain, stiffness or deformity that has not improved with medicines, physiotherapy or injections may be advised joint replacement.
Is joint replacement a major surgery?
Yes, it is a major orthopaedic surgery performed under spinal or general anaesthesia, usually requiring a short hospital stay and a structured recovery period.
How long does recovery take after joint replacement?
Walking with support typically begins within a day or two, with steady improvement over several weeks and full benefit usually seen over a few months, depending on the individual.
How long does a joint implant last?
Modern implants are designed to last many years for most patients, though longevity depends on implant type, activity level and individual factors, and is best discussed with your surgeon.
Where is joint replacement surgery performed?
Surgery is carried out at an associated hospital — Sahyadri Superspecialty Hospital (Yerawada), Manipal Hospital (Kharadi) or Medipoint Hospital (Chandannagar); the team confirms the exact venue at your consultation. Consultations and follow-up are available at Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care, Kharadi, Pune.

References

This page is general medical information reviewed by the treating specialist at Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care and is not a substitute for a personal consultation.

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Dr. Vishal I. Murkute

Consultant Orthopaedic, Arthroscopy & Joint Replacement Surgeon

Degrees: MBBS, D.Orth., DNB (Orth)
Fellowship: Fellowship in Joint Replacement Surgery · Fellowship in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine
Registration: 2004/03/1437
Experience: Overall experience since 1998 · Specialty practice since 2005

Areas of expertise

Knee & hip joint replacement
Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery
ACL & ligament reconstruction
Sports injury management
Fracture & trauma care
Shoulder problems

Dr. Vishal I. Murkute is a Consultant Orthopaedic, Arthroscopy and Joint Replacement Surgeon at Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care Clinic, Kharadi, Pune. A medical graduate from Mahatma Gandhi Mission Medical College, Mumbai, he completed his DNB in Orthopaedics at Soundarapandian Bone and Joint Hospital and Research Center, Chennai. He pursued fellowship training in Joint Replacement at Shalby Hospital, Ahmedabad, and in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine under Dr. Nicholas Antao in Mumbai. With overall medical experience since 1998 and specialty practice since 2005, he has performed numerous knee, hip and shoulder replacement surgeries, arthroscopic ligament and cartilage reconstructions, deformity corrections and complex trauma procedures. He is a life member of the Indian Orthopaedic Association and Pune Orthopaedic Society.

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“Dr. Dipti Murkute is an excellent eye specialist. My cataract surgery was smooth and the staff explained every step clearly. The clinic is clean, well-equipped and the appointment system is hassle-free.”

Priya S.

Eye Care · 15 July 2026

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“Visited Dr. Vishal Murkute for knee pain. He diagnosed the issue patiently and suggested a non-surgical plan first. Genuinely patient-first care — I felt heard and not rushed.”

Rahul K.

Orthopaedics · 28 June 2026

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“One of the best clinics in Kharadi for eye and bone care. Both doctors are experienced and the front desk is very cooperative. Highly recommended for families.”

Anita M.

Both · 10 June 2026

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“Dr. Dipti Murkute treated my dry eye problem very effectively. She took time to understand my lifestyle and gave practical advice along with medicines. Very satisfied with the consultation.”

Sneha P.

Eye Care · 22 July 2026

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“My mother had been struggling with shoulder pain for months. Dr. Vishal Murkute explained the condition in detail and the treatment plan worked. Professional and caring doctor.”

Vikram J.

Orthopaedics · 5 July 2026

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“The eye check-up was thorough and the diagnostic equipment looked modern. Dr. Dipti explained the reports clearly. A trustworthy clinic for complete eye care in East Pune.”

Meera D.

Eye Care · 18 May 2026

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“Got my father’s knee replacement follow-up done here. Dr. Vishal is approachable and the rehabilitation guidance was clear. Good experience overall at Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care.”

Amit T.

Orthopaedics · 3 May 2026

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“Took my child for a vision check-up with Dr. Dipti. She was very gentle with kids and the entire process was quick. Would definitely recommend for paediatric eye care.”

Neha R.

Eye Care · 12 April 2026

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