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Rheumatology  ·  MVP Colony

Osteoarthritis & Knee Pain Care in Visakhapatnam

Non-surgical care for knee, hip and hand arthritis — exercise, medicines and guided injections.

Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli — MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology), CMC Vellore · Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274

Exercise planGuided injectionsSurgery referral if needed
Book Appointment Online Call: 91824 19306 WhatsApp
Doctor's direct line — Dr. Nagamounika: +91 91821 19306
At a glanceCommon signs
Knee pain
Stairs difficult
Crackling
Finger bumps
Hip pain
Pain on walking
Symptoms & tests ↓
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DM Rheumatology
Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli
🏛️
CMC Vellore
Super-specialty training
📅
Book online
Pay at the clinic
🕘
Mon – Sat
MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam

Who treats Osteoarthritis & Knee Pain in Visakhapatnam?

At MRKC, Visakhapatnam, osteoarthritis is assessed by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli, who also checks that the knee pain is not due to inflammatory arthritis or gout. Most people with osteoarthritis improve with exercise, weight care and medicines; surgery is needed only for advanced cases.

What is Osteoarthritis & Knee Pain?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. The smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones slowly thins, and the joint becomes painful and stiff. It most often affects the knees, hips, lower back and the end joints of the fingers.

OA is more common after 45, in women, in people who are overweight and after old joint injuries. It is not just "ageing" — strong muscles, a healthy weight and the right activity can reduce pain and keep you walking.

Common symptoms

  • Knee pain on walking, climbing stairs or getting up from the floor
  • Short stiffness after rest (usually less than 30 minutes)
  • Crackling or grinding in the knee
  • Bony bumps on the finger joints
  • Knee swelling after activity
  • Bowing of the legs in advanced knee OA

⚠️ See a doctor soon if you notice

Do not wait for your next appointment. For an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.

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Hot, red knee with feverNeeds same-day check
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Sudden lockingKnee gives way or locks
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Long morning stiffnessMay be inflammatory arthritis
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Calf swellingWith pain — rule out clot
Call 91824 19306

Tests that help

Not every patient needs every test. The doctor chooses tests based on your symptoms and old reports.

  • X-ray of the knees (standing)
  • Joint ultrasound to look for fluid and inflammation (in clinic)
  • ESR, CRP, uric acid and RF when inflammatory arthritis is possible
  • Vitamin D and bone health tests where needed
  • Joint fluid test if the knee is very swollen

How we care for Osteoarthritis & Knee Pain at MRKC

1

Confirm OA

Examination and X-ray, and ruling out inflammatory arthritis, gout or referred hip pain.

2

Exercise and weight

A simple thigh-muscle strengthening routine you can do at home, and a realistic weight plan.

3

Medicines and injections

Safe painkillers, gels and — when needed — ultrasound-guided joint injections for flare-ups.

4

Refer when needed

For advanced OA with severe pain despite treatment, we refer to an orthopaedic surgeon for knee replacement.

Everyday tips

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Strengthen thighs
Straight-leg raises and quadriceps exercises daily.
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Lose weight
Losing 5–10% of body weight can noticeably reduce knee pain.
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Good footwear
Cushioned shoes; avoid squatting and sitting cross-legged for long.
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Careful with painkillers
Long-term use can harm the kidneys and stomach.

Frequently asked questions

Which doctor treats Osteoarthritis & Knee Pain in Visakhapatnam?
At MRKC, Visakhapatnam, osteoarthritis is assessed by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli, who also checks that the knee pain is not due to inflammatory arthritis or gout. Most people with osteoarthritis improve with exercise, weight care and medicines; surgery is needed only for advanced cases.
Do I need knee replacement?
Most people with OA do not need surgery. Replacement is considered when pain is severe, daily activities are badly limited and other treatments have not helped.
Are knee injections safe?
Steroid or other joint injections done with proper sterile technique and ultrasound guidance are safe and can relieve flare-ups. They are not given too often.
Should I stop walking because of knee pain?
No. Regular, comfortable walking and exercises help. Avoid activities that cause sharp pain.
How do I book an appointment at MRKC?
Book online at mrkc.in/emr/book, or call / WhatsApp 91824 19306. You can pay at the clinic. Please bring all old reports and your current medicines.

తెలుగులో

మోకాళ్ల నొప్పి / ఆస్టియో ఆర్థరైటిస్ కోసం విశాఖపట్నం, MVP కాలనీలోని MRKC లో రుమటాలజిస్ట్ డా. నాగమౌనిక కొత్తపల్లి గారిని సంప్రదించండి. అపాయింట్‌మెంట్ కోసం 91824 19306 కు కాల్ లేదా వాట్సాప్ చేయండి.

This page gives general health information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli (Rheumatologist, Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274). Last reviewed: 27 October 2026.

Book a consultation for Osteoarthritis & Knee Pain

With rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli at MRKC, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam.

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