Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is a condition characterised by inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint. It usually happens when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the knee wears down over time, leading to friction, pain and stiffness. Knee arthritis can significantly affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, kneel and carry out your usual daily activities.
There are several types of arthritis that can affect the knee joint, including:
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of knee arthritis and is caused by the gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage over time. Osteoarthritis often develops as a result of ageing, repetitive stress on the joint, previous injuries or underlying joint deformities.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, including the knee. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joint lining, leading to joint damage and swelling.
Post-traumatic arthritis: This type of arthritis develops following a significant knee injury, such as a fracture, meniscal tear or ligament injury. The injury can disrupt normal joint mechanics and accelerate the breakdown of cartilage, leading to post-traumatic arthritis, sometimes many years after the original injury.
The common symptoms of knee arthritis include:
Pain: Persistent pain in the knee, which may worsen with activity, prolonged standing or stair climbing, and improve with rest.
Stiffness: Reduced range of motion, often most noticeable first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long period.
Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the knee joint, which may come and go.
Grinding or catching: A sensation of grating, clicking or catching as the joint surfaces move against one another.
Instability: A feeling that the knee may give way, particularly on uneven ground or stairs.
Joint deformity: In advanced cases the knee may become bow-legged or knock-kneed as cartilage wears unevenly.
Difficulty walking: Pain and stiffness can make it challenging to walk distances, kneel, squat or rise from a chair.
Treatment for knee arthritis aims to relieve pain, improve function and maintain your overall quality of life. It may include both non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Non-surgical treatments include:
Activity and lifestyle modifications
Weight loss
Physiotherapy and strengthening programs
Walking aids
Knee braces or offloading supports
Pain relief medication
Anti-inflammatory medication
Steroid or hyaluronic acid injections
Surgical options include:
Arthroscopic knee debridement
Corrective osteotomy — high tibial or distal femoral
Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement
Total knee replacement
The choice of treatment will depend on various factors including the severity of arthritis, which part of the knee is affected, your age, medical problems, activity level and overall health.
Dr Janan has experience across the range of treatments for knee arthritis, from non-surgical management through to joint replacement. Together we will discuss your situation and determine which treatment will be the best choice for you.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
FAQs
How do I know if my knee pain is arthritis or something else?
Knee pain has many possible causes, and symptoms can overlap. Arthritis tends to come on gradually, is often worse with activity and after rest, and may be accompanied by stiffness and swelling. Other conditions such as meniscal tears or ligament injuries more often follow a specific incident. Alongside history and examination, an X-ray is usually the first investigation, with MRI used when soft tissue injury is suspected.
Will my knee arthritis get worse over time?
Arthritis is generally a progressive condition, but the rate of progression varies considerably between individuals and is difficult to predict. Many people manage their symptoms well for years with non-surgical treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active within comfortable limits and strengthening the muscles around the knee can all help.
Do I have to have a knee replacement?
No. Surgery is generally considered only once non-surgical treatments are no longer controlling your pain and the arthritis is significantly affecting your daily life. Many people with knee arthritis never need an operation.
What is the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement?
A total knee replacement resurfaces the whole joint, while a partial replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment and preserves the rest of the knee, including the ligaments. A partial replacement generally involves a smaller operation and a quicker recovery, but it is only suitable when arthritis is confined to one part of the knee. Which is appropriate depends on your imaging, examination and symptoms.
How long should I wait before seeing a surgeon?
There is no fixed rule. It is reasonable to seek an opinion when knee pain is limiting the things you want to do, when non-surgical treatment is no longer helping, or simply when you would like to understand your options. Seeing a surgeon does not commit you to surgery.