Surgeon says arthritis isn’t inevitable and can be managed without surgery

Arthritis is not an unavoidable consequence of ageing and can often be controlled without surgery, says Dr Tushar Kohli, a senior joint‑replacement surgeon at Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital in Dehradun.

Myths

Many patients think joint pain is a normal sign of getting older, that nothing can help, or that surgery must be the final option. Dr Kohli points out that osteoarthritis risk rises with age but also stems from past injuries, excess weight, family history, repetitive strain and some medical conditions. He warns that lingering pain should never be dismissed as just ageing.

Treatment

Gentle, low‑impact activities such as walking or swimming can tighten the muscles around joints, boost flexibility and ease discomfort. Weight control, physiotherapy, appropriate medicines and lifestyle tweaks are first‑line steps before considering an operation. For those with severe disease, modern knee or joint replacement can restore function. Newer procedures use smaller cuts and, at specialised centres, robotic assistance to handle complex deformities. There is no fixed timetable for surgery; postponing treatment when pain, stiffness or loss of mobility become severe may reduce independence and overall wellbeing. Each plan is tailored to the patient’s symptoms, scan results, daily habits and response to earlier measures.

Context

Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is a common joint disorder that can affect younger adults when risk factors like injury or obesity are present. Early, active management helps keep joints functional and can delay or avoid the need for joint replacement.