What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition where the cartilage in the knee joint becomes thinner and the surface rougher, meaning the joint doesn’t move as smoothly. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is often referred to as a “wear and tear” condition, but it also involves the body’s attempt to repair joint damage.
Causes and risk factors
- Age: More common in people over 50 years old.
- Joint injury: Previous injuries can increase risk.
- Obesity: Extra weight puts more stress on the knee.
- Occupation or activity: Jobs or sports that stress the knee.
Symptoms
- Pain during or after movement
- Stiffness, especially after rest
- Swelling around the knee
- A grinding or creaking sensation (crepitus)
- Reduced flexibility (range of motion)
- Weakness in the thigh muscles
Diagnosis
Your clinician may diagnose osteoarthritis based on:
- Your symptoms and medical history & physical examination is the most common way to diagnose osteoarthritis.
- X-rays or other imaging to assess the joints condition may be considered, if your symptoms are severe enough to consider surgery.
- MRI scans are not needed to diagnose osteoarthritis.
Self-management and treatment
Lifestyle changes
- Exercise: Strengthens muscles and improves joint function. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling are ideal.
- Weight Management: Reducing weight can significantly relieve pressure on the knee.
- Footwear: Supportive, comfortable shoes can make a difference to weight bearing joints. Shoes that are thick soled & supportive are ideal.
Pain relief
- Heat or Cold Therapy: Warm packs or cold compresses can ease pain and stiffness.
- Medications: Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended. Always consult your GP or pharmacist.
Supportive devices
- Walking aids: A stick can reduce strain and help to keep you mobile.
- Knee supports: May help, for pain symptoms enabling exercise, but should not be used all day, every day.
When to seek help
- If your knee gives way, causing you to fall over. Contact the GP or self-refer to the MSK service.
- If self-care measures are not helping. Contact your GP or self-refer to the MSK service
- If your knee locks and you are unable to ‘unlock’ it. Attend the emergency department.
- If pain becomes severe or persistent with redness of the skin and you develop a temperature – Attend the emergency department.
Further support
- MSK Rehabilitation: Tailored exercise programs to improve your joint strength, flexibility and overall MSK health can be developed with you with the aim of improving your day-to-day function.
- Steroid Injections: Steroid injections are sometimes used to manage the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
This is an anti-inflammatory delivered directly to the joint and treats the symptoms of osteoarthritis but does not resolve the joint cartilage changes.
Some people see good benefit from injections, however the more advanced the changes are in the joint, the less likely you are to see benefit.
- Referral to a specialist: For advanced cases, surgery may be considered.
Your clinician will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment approach with you in detail.
Useful links:
Versus Arthritis | A future free from arthritis