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Dr. Samir Pilankar
Arthroscopy & Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon
Knee pain is no longer a problem confined to old age. Increasingly, people in their 40s and even late 30s are experiencing knee discomfort that affects work, fitness, and daily activities. Recognizing early warning signs can help prevent long-term joint damage.
Dr. Samir Pilankar, leading robotic knee surgeon in Mumbai has coined -The Traffic signal sign as a sign of early knee cartilage damage. Dr. Samir Pilankar is a reputed Arthroscopy & joint replacement surgeon with 27 years of experience & is rated among the best in Mumbai. He is a specialist in mini-incision technique in robotic joint replacement surgery and arthroscopy resulting in faster recovery. After extensive training in renowned hospitals in Switzerland, Spain & Germany, he has successfully performed over 10,000 Arthroscopy & Joint replacement surgeries. He was awarded with the prestigious Abdul Kalam Award, Times Icon award 2022 and has been featured in India Today’s top orthopedic surgeons 2025. In this article, he has shone light on the perils of ignoring knee symptoms.
In this article, Dr. Pilankar has elaborated on this sign and also explained how to take better care of our knees.
What is the "Traffic Signal Sign"?
One of the earliest warning signs of knee degeneration is what I call the "Traffic Signal Sign."
If your knees feel stiff, painful, or difficult to straighten when you get up after sitting at a traffic signal, in a car, at your office desk, or after a long meeting, it may indicate early cartilage wear or developing osteoarthritis.
Just as a red traffic light forces your vehicle to stop, prolonged sitting causes the knee joint to remain immobile. When you start moving again, the first few steps may be uncomfortable until the joint "warms up."
Why are knee problems appearing earlier?
Several modern lifestyle factors contribute:
- Long hours of sitting at desks and computers
- Excess body weight
- Lack of regular exercise
- High-impact gym routines
- Frequent squatting and stair climbing
- Previous sports injuries
- Poor muscle strength around the knee
These factors increase stress on the cartilage and accelerate wear and tear.
What symptoms should not be ignored?
Watch for:
- Pain while climbing stairs
- Difficulty getting up from a chair
- Knee stiffness after sitting
- Clicking or grinding sensations
- Swelling after activity
- Reduced walking endurance
Early evaluation is advisable if these symptoms persist.
How does excess weight affect the knees?
The knee is a weight-bearing joint. Every additional kilogram of body weight can place several times that force across the knee during walking and stair climbing.
Studies show that even modest weight loss can significantly reduce knee pain and slow cartilage degeneration.
Are gym workouts causing knee injuries?
Exercise is beneficial, but incorrect training can be harmful.
Common mistakes include:
- Heavy squats with poor technique
- Sudden increases in workout intensity
- Excessive lunges
- Running through pain
- Ignoring recovery periods
The goal should be building strength, not punishing the joint.
What can you do to protect your knees?
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles.
- Choose low-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, and walking.
- Avoid sudden spikes in physical activity.
- Treat injuries early.
- Stretch regularly and maintain flexibility.
- Use proper footwear.
When should you see an orthopaedic surgeon?
Seek medical advice if:
- Pain persists for more than 3–4 weeks
- Walking distance is decreasing
- Swelling recurs repeatedly
- Night pain develops
- Daily activities are becoming difficult
Early intervention can often delay or even prevent the need for surgery.
Remember: Knee osteoarthritis rarely develops overnight. The joint usually sends warning signals years before significant damage occurs. Recognizing the "Traffic Signal Sign" early may help preserve your knees for decades to come.
Dr. Samir Pilankar
Arthroscopy & Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon
Mumbai
