Many people consider knee pain after physical activity to be normal, particularly as they get older. However, recurring knee pain is not always related to age. It can also be influenced by various factors, such as being overweight, a history of joint injuries, repetitive activities that place stress on the joints, and genetic factors. If it is accompanied by knee stiffness when waking up in the morning or discomfort during simple activities such as going up and down stairs, the condition may be a sign of osteoarthritis, one of the most common joint conditions affecting adults.
Although it is often associated with older age, osteoarthritis can also affect individuals who remain physically active. dr Fahresa Hilmy, SpOT, from Mayapada Hospital Kuningan, explains that osteoarthritis occurs due to gradual damage to the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones.
“As a result, the surfaces of the bones rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. Because it develops gradually, many patients only seek medical attention when their symptoms begin to interfere with their activities.”
In its early stages, osteoarthritis can be characterised by pain during physical activity, joint stiffness, mild swelling, and restricted movement. If not treated appropriately, the condition can progress to joint damage, resulting in persistent pain and restricted movement and potentially requiring a Total Knee Replacement (TKR).
According to Prof Nicolaas C. Budhiparama, MD, PhD (LUMC, NL), PhD (UGM, ID), SpOT(K), FICS, from Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, an orthopaedic specialist known for his contributions to the development of robotic technology and innovations in joint replacement surgery at the global level, the new standard in osteoarthritis treatment now focuses not only on the success of surgery, but also on the quality of the patient’s recovery.
“When osteoarthritis has caused severe joint damage and significantly impaired movement, TKR can help reduce pain and restore joint function, allowing patients to move more comfortably again. During the recovery process, patients can even begin to receive training to bend their knees and stand approximately five hours after surgery. The support of robotic technology also helps improve the precision of the procedure, thereby supporting more optimal treatment outcomes,” explained Prof Nico.
However, not all cases of osteoarthritis require surgery.
“In many cases, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, appropriate exercise, physiotherapy, weight management, and medical treatment according to the patient’s condition. The earlier osteoarthritis is recognised and treated, the greater the opportunity to preserve joint function and maintain quality of life,” concluded Prof Nico.
Therefore, recurring knee pain or pain that increasingly interferes with daily activities should not be ignored. Recognising the symptoms early and consulting a doctor can help patients receive appropriate treatment before the condition progresses and affects their quality of life.
As part of its comprehensive healthcare services, patients experiencing bone and joint problems can undergo examinations at the Orthopaedic Center at Mayapada Hospital. The service covers the management of various musculoskeletal conditions, from muscle and joint pain to injury prevention and rehabilitation, with comprehensive examinations supported by modern diagnostic technology and an experienced multidisciplinary medical team.
To help maintain optimal joint health and function, the Sports Injury Treatment & Performance Center (SITPEC) also provides comprehensive services ranging from screening, prevention, and injury management to performance enhancement programmes for everyday activities and sports. These services are supported by comprehensive facilities, including a gym, VO2 Max testing, and Body Composition Analysis, to support training programmes effectively.
For the convenience of international patients, MHKN also provides an International Care Concierge service to assist expatriate and overseas patients with their needs, from appointment coordination and support during treatment to communication assistance throughout their care.
For more information, you can contact the Call Centre on 150770, WhatsApp 0817-17-150770, Emergency 150990, or use the MyCare application. You can also monitor your physical fitness through the Personal Health feature, which can be used to calculate heart rate, steps, calories burned, and Body Mass Index (BMI).