Many patients arrive believing that arthritis is an unavoidable part of ageing, that nothing can be done about it, or that surgery should always be the last resort. These myths can sometimes prevent people from seeking timely care. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Tushar Kohli, gold medalist, arthroscopy and joint replacement surgeon, senior consultant at Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, Dehradun, debunks common myths about exercise, pain, and joint health.
it is not exclusively an age-related condition While the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. Dr Tushar Kohli highlighted that previous injuries, obesity, genetics, repetitive stress and certain medical conditions can contribute to joint damage in younger people too. There is no universal timeline for surgery . Delaying treatment despite severe pain, stiffness, or declining mobility can affect independence and overall wellbeing. The right approach is an individualised one, based on symptoms, imaging, lifestyle and response to other treatments.
