Knee Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Private Treatment

Reviewed By:
Dr. Sameer Gohir PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN
Muhammad Asim Ishaque MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, Dip. MSK Medicine, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and subsequent changes to the bone and surrounding tissues.

This condition leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, impacting the overall quality of life. Understanding the causes and treatment options is crucial for managing knee osteoarthritis effectively.

If knee pain is making it difficult to enjoy your daily activities, expert support is available. With clinics near Kent and Essex, Joint Injection Clinic offers advanced care for knee osteoarthritis to help you stay active and comfortable.

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Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Near Kent and Essex

Common Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis

The development of knee osteoarthritis can be attributed to a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors:

  • Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age due to the natural wear and tear on the joints over time. Older adults are more likely to experience the effects of cartilage degeneration.
  • Obesity: Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees. This increased load can accelerate the degradation of cartilage, leading to faster deterioration of the joint.
  • Previous Injuries: Injuries to the knee, such as fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus injuries can predispose individuals to osteoarthritis. Even past injuries that heal can weaken the joint structure, making it susceptible to OA.
  • Repetitive Stress: Jobs or sports that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis in the knees due to the repetitive strain on the joint.
  • Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may contribute to an individual’s predisposition to developing the condition, suggesting a genetic component to its onset.
  • Joint Alignment: Abnormal alignment of the knee joint, whether due to congenital factors or conditions like bow legs or knock knees, can lead to uneven wear on the cartilage.
  • Gender: Osteoarthritis is more common in women than men, especially after menopause, likely due to hormonal changes that affect cartilage and bone health.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Individuals with knee osteoarthritis often experience a variety of symptoms, which may include:

  • Joint Pain: This is the most common symptom, often worsening with activity and improving with rest.
  • Stiffness: Particularly noticeable in the morning or after sitting for extended periods; stiffness usually lasts less than 30 minutes.
  • Swelling: Caused by inflammation in and around the joint, leading to visible puffiness.
  • Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee due to pain and stiffness.
  • Grating Sensation: A feeling of grinding or creaking when moving the joint, often accompanied by popping sounds.

How Is Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing knee osteoarthritis typically involves:

  • Medical History and Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will evaluate symptoms and physical findings.
  • Imaging Tests: X-rays can identify changes in bone structure, such as bone spurs and cartilage loss. MRI may be used in complex cases to assess soft tissue damage.

Treatment Options

While knee osteoarthritis cannot be cured, various treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life:

Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Weight Management: Losing weight can significantly reduce stress on the knees.
  • Exercise: Low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, combined with strength training, can improve joint function and muscle support.
  • Physiotherapy: A structured physical therapy program may involve exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the joint.
  • Medications:
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can help manage pain and inflammation.
  • Topical pain relief creams may also provide localized relief.
  • Injections:
  • Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
  • Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation) may help lubricate the joint.
  • Assistive Devices: Braces, orthotic shoe inserts, or walking aids may help stabilize the knee and alleviate pain during movement.

Surgical Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered:

  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to remove loose cartilage or debris from the joint and relieve symptoms.
  • Osteotomy: This procedure involves reshaping the bones to relieve pressure on the knee joint by shifting the weight away from the damaged area.
  • Knee Replacement Surgery: In severe cases of osteoarthritis, partial or total knee replacement may be necessary. This involves removing damaged bone and cartilage and replacing it with an artificial joint.

Conclusion

Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that can significantly impact daily life. While there is no cure, understanding the causes and implementing appropriate treatment strategies can help manage symptoms effectively. If you experience persistent knee pain or other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for a tailored treatment plan.

Private Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment & Injection Options

If knee osteoarthritis is causing persistent pain, stiffness or reduced walking and activity, a private assessment can help confirm the likely pain source and review the non-surgical options that fit your goals and health history.

Exercise-based rehabilitation and day-to-day load management remain important. An intra-articular corticosteroid injection may be considered for selected patients for short-term symptom relief, particularly when pain is making rehabilitation difficult. Progressive loss of function or symptoms that remain unacceptable despite non-surgical care may justify an orthopaedic opinion.

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Near You

Dartford Clinic – North Kent & South East London

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Dartford

Kings Hill Clinic — West Malling & Mid Kent

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Kings Hill

Canterbury Clinic – East Kent & the Kent Coast

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Canterbury

Romford Clinic – East London & Essex

Ultrasound-Guided Injections in Romford


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Frequently Asked Questions

A corticosteroid injection may be considered for selected patients for temporary symptom relief, often when pain is limiting function or the ability to engage with exercise.

No. The aim is symptom management; corticosteroid does not rebuild cartilage or reverse osteoarthritis.

Other Knee & Lower Leg Conditions Conditions We Treat

Not sure whether your symptoms match this condition? Explore the other knee or leg pain conditions assessed and treated at JIC.