Knee Pain Treatment in
Delhi & Noida

Yes — the majority of patients with knee osteoarthritis, including those with moderate-to-advanced disease, can be managed effectively without surgery for a substantial period of time. Non-surgical treatment options include targeted physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles that support the knee joint, weight management to reduce the mechanical load on arthritic cartilage, anti-inflammatory medications for pain control, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections for regenerative support and pain relief, corticosteroid injections for acute inflammatory flare-ups, and hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation to improve joint lubrication and cushioning. Lifestyle modifications — including switching to low-impact exercise such as swimming and cycling, using appropriate footwear, and employing walking aids when necessary — can also meaningfully reduce symptoms and slow disease progression. Dr Nigam's strong preference is to exhaust all conservative options before discussing surgical intervention.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a regenerative injection treatment in which a small volume of the patient's own blood is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and associated growth factors, and then injected precisely into the knee joint or around the affected tendon. These concentrated growth factors stimulate natural tissue repair processes, reduce inflammation, support cartilage health, and relieve pain. Clinical evidence supports its use in early-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, patellar tendinitis, and sports-related cartilage and ligament injuries. Most patients experience meaningful pain relief within 4–6 weeks, with effects typically lasting 6–12 months or longer. Because PRP uses the patient's own biological material, the risk of adverse reaction is extremely low. It is not a permanent cure for osteoarthritis, but for appropriate patients it can provide significant pain relief and delay or avoid the need for more invasive treatment.

Total knee replacement (TKR) is recommended when advanced osteoarthritis or significant structural joint damage causes persistent, debilitating pain that substantially limits daily activities and quality of life — and when a genuine, well-structured course of conservative treatment over a minimum of 6 months has failed to deliver adequate relief. It is never a first-line treatment. The ideal candidate is typically aged 55 and above with radiographically confirmed end-stage arthritis and severe functional limitation, though younger patients with irreversible joint destruction occasionally warrant earlier intervention. Modern knee replacement implants offer excellent longevity — 15 to 20 years or more in the majority of cases — and consistently deliver dramatic improvements in pain levels and functional capacity. Dr Nigam conducts a thorough, unhurried individual evaluation and discusses all options transparently before any recommendation for surgery is made.

ACL reconstruction recovery follows a well-defined but time-dependent rehabilitation pathway. Most patients are able to walk with minimal assistance within 1–2 weeks of surgery. Driving is typically possible at 4–6 weeks for an automatic vehicle (longer for manual). Return to a desk job or light work is usually feasible within 2–3 weeks. Light jogging and gym work can recommence at around 3–4 months, and full return to sport — including running, pivoting, cutting, and contact activities — generally occurs between 6 and 9 months post-surgery, depending on the sport, the patient's pre-operative fitness, and the diligence of their rehabilitation programme. Dr Nigam provides every ACL patient with a detailed, phased rehabilitation protocol co-designed with an experienced physiotherapist, ensuring safe and confident progression through each stage of recovery.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general or spinal anaesthesia through 2–3 very small incisions of approximately 5mm. The procedure itself involves no pain. Post-operatively, most patients experience mild-to-moderate soreness for a few days, which is effectively managed with standard oral pain relief. The majority of arthroscopic procedures are performed as day-case surgery, with patients discharged the same day or within 24 hours. Swelling typically settles over 2–4 weeks. Return to desk work is usually possible within 1–2 weeks. More complex procedures such as ACL reconstruction or meniscus repair require longer recovery than simpler arthroscopic procedures such as partial meniscectomy. In all cases, Dr Nigam provides a clear post-operative plan so patients know exactly what to expect and when.

Yes. Dr Vishal Nigam holds consultant outpatient clinics at both Delhi and Noida locations, providing specialist orthopaedic and knee care to patients across the Delhi NCR region. This includes patients residing in or near Greater Noida, Indirapuram, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad who wish to access a senior knee specialist without long journeys across the city. Appointments at both clinics can be booked online through carenyx.in or by calling the clinic directly. Surgical procedures are carried out at associated hospital facilities in Delhi and Noida equipped with the latest orthopaedic instrumentation.

An MRI is indicated when the clinical history and examination suggest soft tissue pathology — such as a meniscus tear, ligament injury, cartilage defect, or tendon problem — that is not visible on a plain X-ray. It is also appropriate when symptoms persist beyond a reasonable period of initial treatment without a clear diagnosis, or as pre-surgical planning before arthroscopic or reconstructive procedures. Not every episode of knee pain requires an MRI. In older patients with symptoms typical of osteoarthritis, weight-bearing X-rays are usually the primary and often sufficient investigation. Dr Nigam advises on the most appropriate, cost-effective imaging investigation after clinical review, ensuring patients are not subjected to unnecessary tests or expenses.

Low-impact muscle-strengthening exercises are the most consistently beneficial intervention for most forms of knee pain. Quadriceps strengthening — including straight leg raises, mini squats, and wall slides — helps stabilise the knee joint and reduce load on the cartilage. Hamstring stretching, calf strengthening, and gluteal activation exercises address the biomechanical contributors to knee overload. Swimming and cycling are excellent choices for maintaining cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone without stressing the joint. Walking on flat surfaces is generally well-tolerated for most knee conditions. High-impact activities — running, jumping, sports — should be avoided during acute pain episodes. It is important to note that the correct exercise prescription depends entirely on the underlying diagnosis; exercises helpful for osteoarthritis may be harmful following a meniscus tear, and vice versa. Dr Nigam's team provides a tailored physiotherapy plan specific to each patient's condition and goals.