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Conditions
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is a very common condition that can affect any joint in the body, although it most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Everyone’s joints go through a normal cycle of wear and repair during their lifetime. As joints repair themselves, their shape and structure can change. The cartilage in the knee joint may become thinner and the surfaces of the joint may become rougher. If this happens in one or more of your joints, it’s known as osteoarthritis.
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What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?
You may notice regular symptoms, or ‘flare-ups’ of:
- Pain in or around the knee
- Stiffness in the knee, especially after resting or waking up
- Difficulty walking, bending or climbing stairs
- Clicking or grinding feelings in the knee
- Knee swelling
What causes knee osteoarthritis?
The exact cause of knee osteoarthritis is often not known, as there can be lots of reasons why a person develops the condition. Reasons include:
- Ageing (more common after late 40s)
- Being overweight
- A family history of osteoarthritis
- Previous knee injury or surgery
- Other knee problems such as gout
- Repetitive stress (from work or sports)
- Smoking – linked to slower healing and poorer joint health
Reduced physical activity and weaker muscles around the knee may also contribute to symptoms. Symptoms often come and go. It is common to experience flare-ups where pain temporarily increases, but this does not necessarily mean the arthritis has worsened or caused further damage.
Read more about osteoarthritis on the Arthritis UK website.
Managment of Osteoarthritis
Although osteoarthritis cannot currently be cured, many people successfully manage their symptoms and remain active. A combination of education, exercise, weight management (where appropriate), and other treatments can significantly reduce pain and improve function.
Steps to take to recovery
Self-Management
Activity Modification
If your symptoms have flared up, try to keep moving while temporarily reducing activities that significantly increase your pain. Complete rest is usually not helpful. Gradually return to your usual activities as your symptoms settle.
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter medicines: Over-the-counter pain relief may help you stay active. Always follow the advice provided with the medicine.
Topical creams: Some people find topical creams or gels helpful for short-term relief of pain and stiffness.
It is important to check whether you can take these medicines. If you are unsure whether you can take these medicines, speak to a pharmacist or another healthcare professional.
Exercises
Regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for knee osteoarthritis. Strengthening the muscles around the knee can reduce pain, improve function and make everyday activities easier. Exercises from knee exercises by Arthritis UK may help.
Weight Management
If you are carrying extra weight, even a modest amount of weight loss can reduce the load through the knee and improve symptoms. You can calculate your BMI using the NHS BMI calculator.
Further Treatment
Physiotherapy
If your symptoms aren't improving or you feel you need more help, then please refer yourself to physiotherapy. We will assess your symptoms and work with you to develop a treatment plan. You can have one-to-one physiotherapy and have access to our gym classes. If appropriate, we can also refer you to other services to access other treatments listed below if appropriate.
Steroid Injections
For some people, corticosteroid injections may provide short-term pain relief, particularly during a painful flare-up. They are not suitable for everyone.
Surgery
If symptoms continue to significantly affect your quality of life despite appropriate treatment, a partial or total knee replacement may be considered. Your physiotherapist would discuss whether this may be an appropriate option.
Lifestyle factors that influence health
Knee osteoarthritis is influenced by more than just changes within the joint. Carrying extra weight, smoking, diabetes, poor sleep and long-term stress can all affect pain and recovery. Staying active, strengthening the muscles around the knee and addressing lifestyle factors can improve pain, function and quality of life. More support is available on Your Musculoskeletal Health.
When to seek further advice
There are circumstances where physiotherapy is not appropriate. Please seek urgent medical advice if you have any of the following:
- Severe knee pain, swelling or bruising following a fall or injury, particularly if you cannot stand or bear weight
- Signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, fever or feeling generally unwell
If any of the above applies to you, contact NHS 111 for advice
Related Resource
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Related Resource
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