Busting Myths Around Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains one of the most disabling joint disorders in India. Despite significant advances in orthopaedic science, a large number of patients continue to rely on myths, home remedies, and unscientific treatments. Such misconceptions delay appropriate care, worsen deformity, and often convert a manageable condition into a lifelong disability. Here are some of the most common myths — and the scientific truths every patient must know:
Myth 1: “Oils and massages can straighten my legs.”
Fact: No oil, balm, or massage can correct bow-legs, valgus deformities, or joint malalignment. At best, these methods temporarily relax muscles and provide short-term comfort. They do not reverse cartilage damage or structural deformity. Advanced OA cannot be made “normal” by external applications.
Myth 2: “Osteoarthritis has no treatment — especially no surgical cure.”
Fact: Completely false. OA has well-established stages and corresponding treatments. Early OA responds to physiotherapy, weight reduction, braces, and medications. In more advanced disease, procedures such as osteotomies, chondroplasty, OATS, unicompartmental knee replacement, and total knee replacement are proven to correct alignment, reduce pain, and restore mobility. OA is treatable — and often very successfully.
Myth 3: “After knee replacement, patients remain bedridden.”
Fact: Modern knee replacement is a transformative procedure. With improved anaesthesia, minimally invasive techniques, and enhanced recovery pathways, patients stand within hours, walk the next day, and climb stairs within days. The concept of being bedridden after surgery is outdated.
Myth 4: “Osteoarthritis affects only the elderly.”
Fact: Age increases the risk of OA, but the disease is not restricted to senior citizens. Young adults can develop OA due to untreated sports injuries, ligament damage, obesity, malalignment, and post-traumatic changes. Early-onset OA is rising in India, particularly among women in their 30s and 40s.
Myth 5: “Knee OA happens because of general body weakness.”
Fact: OA is primarily a mechanical and structural disorder. Weak muscles may worsen symptoms but do not cause arthritis. Factors such as limb malalignment, excess weight, joint overload, cartilage wear, and genetics play a far greater role.
Myth 6: “After total knee replacement, the knee won’t bend.”
Fact: Modern implants allow excellent knee motion. With proper physiotherapy and compliance, most patients achieve 100–130 degrees of flexion — adequate for routine daily activities and, in many cases, even squatting as per surgeon’s advice. Stiffness occurs mainly due to poor rehabilitation, not because implants restrict movement.
Myth 7: “Leech therapy can cure osteoarthritis.”
Fact: A dangerous misconception. Leech therapy may reduce swelling temporarily due to anticoagulants in leech saliva, but it cannot rebuild cartilage, correct deformity, realign the limb, or halt degeneration. Any perceived benefit is short-lived; meanwhile, the disease silently progresses, delaying effective treatment.
The Bottom Line: Myths may give comfort, but only science brings real relief. From pain to freedom, the true path is understanding.
Dr Ansarul Haq Lone, Assistant Professor, Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine: Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Srinagar
