Knee Arthritis

Symptoms of knee arthritis often develop gradually and may worsen over time. Some people will experience only mild, tolerable symptoms, while for others, the condition can affect daily activities, participation in sports, and quality of life.

Common symptoms of knee arthritis to look out for include:

• knee pain, especially when walking, climbing stairs or standing up

• stiffness in the joint, particularly in the morning or after resting

• swelling around the knee

• reduced range of movement

• a grinding or clicking sensation (crepitus) when moving the knee

• weakness or instability in the joint

• difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully

In more advanced cases, the knee may become visibly swollen or change shape due to joint damage. Pain may also occur when you’re resting or may even disturb sleep in the worst cases.

Knee arthritis can develop for different reasons, depending on the type.

Osteoarthritis causes

Osteoarthritis is mainly caused by the gradual wear and tear of the joint over time. Factors that can contribute to this include:

• ageing

• previous knee injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures

• repetitive stress on the joint, often from certain occupations or sports

• excess body weight, which places extra strain on the knee

• muscle weakness around the joint

Rheumatoid arthritis causes

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joint. This causes inflammation, which can damage cartilage and bone over time.

Post-traumatic arthritis causes

This type of arthritis develops after a knee injury. Even if the injury happened years ago, it can increase the risk of joint damage and arthritis later in life.

Risk factors

Some factors increase your likelihood of developing knee arthritis, including:

• being over 45

• having a family history of arthritis

• previous joint injuries

• obesity

• certain occupations that involve heavy lifting or kneeling

• reduced muscle strength

If you have any of the symptoms of knee arthritis listed above, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our leading knee specialists.

At your initial consultation, your consultant will conduct a thorough assessment where they’ll:

• ask about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life

• review your medical history

• examine your knee, including its movement, strength, and stability

In some cases, a diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms and examination alone. However, investigative tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity.

These may include:

• X-ray – to show changes in the joint, such as cartilage loss or bone changes

• MRI scan – provides detailed images of soft tissues, including cartilage and ligaments

• blood tests – may be used if an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis is suspected

• joint aspiration – occasionally used to test the synovial fluid inside the knee joint for inflammation or infection

Your consultant will use the information gathered to confirm the diagnosis and put together a personalised treatment plan.

It’s not always possible to prevent knee arthritis, particularly when it’s related to ageing or genetics. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or slow its progression.

These include:

• maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the knee joint

• staying physically active with low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling

• strengthening the muscles around your knee

• avoiding repetitive strain or overuse of the joint where possible

• using proper technique during sports and exercise

• seeking early treatment for knee injuries

If you’re diagnosed with knee arthritis, as well as providing the most appropriate treatment, your consultant will share personalised advice to help you improve and protect the long-term health of your knee joints. 

What complications can knee arthritis cause?

Knee arthritis is not usually dangerous, but it can affect your quality of life if left untreated.

Possible complications include:

• chronic pain that affects daily activities

• reduced mobility and difficulty walking

• muscle weakness due to reduced use of the joint

• joint deformity in more advanced cases

• impact on mental wellbeing, including low mood or reduced confidence

In severe cases, joint damage can become significant enough to require surgery, such as a knee replacement.

Treatment for knee arthritis focuses on reducing pain, improving movement and slowing the progression of the condition. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your individual needs.

At Welbeck, our specialists offer a personalised approach, combining different treatments where appropriate.

Treatment options include:

• lifestyle changes – weight management and activity modification to reduce strain on the joint

• physiotherapy – we can refer you to a specialised physiotherapist who can recommend exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and joint function

• pain relief medication – such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• topical treatments – creams or gels applied directly to the knee

• ultrasound-guided injections, including:

  • steroid injections 

  • hyaluronic acid

  • PRP

  • arthrosamid

• bracing or supports – to help stabilise the knee

• surgical treatment – osteotomy or knee replacement surgery in more advanced cases

Your consultant will explain the benefits and risks of each option and guide you towards the most suitable treatment for your condition.

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.