Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, physiotherapy and post-surgical rehabilitation services are available at the clinic.

Yes, the doctor performs both joint replacement and arthroscopic surgeries.

Yes, the doctor treats sports injuries as well as pediatric orthopedic conditions.

 

1. Persistent Joint or Bone Pain

• Lasting more than a few weeks
• Worse with activity or at night
• Not improving with rest or medications

2. Difficulty in Movement or Loss of Function

•  Stiffness in joints
•  Limited range of motion
•  Trouble walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily tasks

3. Swelling or Inflammation

•  Ongoing swelling around joints
•  Warmth, redness, or tenderness, especially after injury

4. Numbness or Tingling

•  Especially in arms, hands, legs, or feet
•  May suggest nerve compression (e.g., herniated disc, carpal tunnel)

5. Pain after Injury

•  Sudden trauma (fall, twist, or accident)
•  Possible fracture, ligament tear, or dislocation

6. Weakness or Instability

•  Feeling like a joint may give way (e.g., knee or shoulder instability)
•  Muscle weakness that affects mobility or grip strength

7. Visible Deformity

•  Bone out of place or abnormal alignment
•  Joint misalignment or visible swelling

8. No Improvement with Conservative Treatments

•  You’ve tried rest, ice, physiotherapy, or painkillers for weeks without relief

9. Recurring Sports Injuries

•  Strains, sprains, or overuse injuries that keep coming back

10. Need for a Second Opinion

•  You’re unsure about a previous diagnosis or treatment plan
•  Considering surgery and want to explore your options

1. Medications
2. Physiotherapy
3. Weight Management
4. Nutritional Supplements
5. Intra-articular Injections

• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

6. Lifestyle Modifications
7. Regular Low-Impact Exercise
8. Supportive Devices

•  Braces or orthotics
•  Canes or walkers

1. Severe Joint Pain

• Persistent, chronic pain that limits daily activities (walking, climbing stairs, getting out of a chair)
• Pain at rest or that wakes you at night

2. Limited Mobility

• Stiffness or loss of joint movement
• Difficulty performing routine tasks despite physiotherapy or medication

3. Ineffective Non-Surgical Treatments
• No lasting relief from:

1. Medications
2. Injections
3. Physiotherapy
4. Assistive devices

4. Joint Damage on X-ray/MRI

• Severe arthritis, bone deformity, or complete loss of joint space
• Evidence of bone-on-bone contact

5. Reduced Quality of Life

• Inability to work, exercise, or maintain independence
• Emotional impact due to chronic pain or disability

6. Advanced Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Especially in hip, knee, or shoulder
• When joint cartilage is severely worn out or destroyed

7. Deformity or Joint Instability

• Visible joint misalignment (e.g., bowed legs, knocked knees)
• Repeated joint locking, giving way, or dislocation

8. Age and Overall Health Considered

• Most common in people above 55, but also done in younger patients with disabling joint disease
• Must be medically fit for surgery

Recovery Influencing Factors:

•  Age and general health
• Pre-existing conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity)
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Physiotherapy compliance
• Type of anesthesia and surgical approach (open vs. minimally invasive)

1. Minor Orthopedic Procedures
(e.g., arthroscopy for knee or shoulder, hardware removal)

• Recovery time: 2 to 6 weeks
• Return to desk jobs: 1–2 weeks
• Resume light physical activity: 3–4 weeks
• Full recovery: 4–6 weeks

2. Joint Replacement Surgery
(e.g., total knee, hip, or shoulder replacement)

• Recovery time: 3 to 6 months (up to 12 months for full strength)
• Walking with support: 1–2 weeks
• Independent mobility: 4–6 weeks
• Return to driving: ~6 weeks (varies by side and pain meds)
• Resumption of normal activities: 3–6 months

3. Fracture Fixation (with plates, screws, nails)

• Recovery time: 6 to 12 weeks
• Bone healing: typically 6–8 weeks
• Return to normal activities: 2–3 months
• Heavy lifting/sports: 3–6 months

4. Ligament or Tendon Repair
(e.g., ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair)

• Recovery time: 4 to 9 months
• Initial rehab: 6–12 weeks
• Return to sports: 6–9 months (or longer with high-impact sports)

5. Spine Surgery
(e.g., discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion)
Recovery time: 6 weeks to 12 months

• Light activity: 4–6 weeks
• Return to work: 6–12 weeks (depends on nature of job)
• Full recovery: up to 1 year

1. Rest and Immobilization

• Avoid weight-bearing or unnecessary movement
• Use splint, cast, brace, or immobilizer as advised
• Follow strict limb elevation (especially in the first week) to reduce swelling

2. Medications

• Take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by doctor.
• Avoid self-medication

3. Ice Application

• Apply ice packs (15–20 min every 2–3 hrs) in the first 48–72 hours
• Helps reduce pain and swelling
• Don’t apply ice directly on skin—use a cloth barrier

4. Wound and Cast Care

• Keep cast/splint clean and dry
• Do not insert objects inside cast to scratch
• Watch for signs of infection: foul smell, fever, discharge, or increasing pain

5. Avoid Re-injury

• Use crutches, walker, or support if weight-bearing is restricted
• Avoid running, jumping, or driving until cleared by your doctor
• Keep the environment safe to avoid slipping or falling

6. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

• Start as advised (often after 2–6 weeks)
• Focus on:

1. Range of motion exercises
2.  Muscle strengthening
3. Joint stability and balance

• Stick to gradual progression under supervision

7. Nutrition

• Eat a protein-rich, calcium- and vitamin D-rich diet

E.g., eggs, milk, leafy greens, nuts, lentils

• Consider supplements if prescribed

8. Monitor for Complications

• Red flags:

1.  Increased pain, numbness, or tingling
2.  Swelling not subsiding after rest/ice
3.  Bluish/black discoloration of toes/fingers
4.  Loosening or tightness of the cast/splint

9. Follow-Up Appointments

•  Attend all scheduled visits
•  X-rays or scans may be required to monitor healing
•  Adjustment of splints or change of treatment may be needed

10. Mental and Emotional Health

•  Long recovery can cause frustration or anxiety
•  Stay mentally active, involve family or support groups
•  Discuss concerns with your doctor openly