Knee Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, 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.

Schedule your consultation now!
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.

Get Help for Knee Osteoarthritis at Joint Injection Clinic

If knee osteoarthritis is affecting your ability to walk or enjoy the activities you love, you don’t have to manage the pain alone. At Joint Injection Clinic, our experienced team offers evidence-based treatments to reduce knee pain and improve mobility.

We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:

Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London

Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.

Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London

Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.

Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas

Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.


From ultrasound-guided knee injections to tailored physiotherapy plans, our specialists are here to help you manage knee pain effectively and get back to your daily routine.

Schedule your consultation now!