Table of Contents

What is Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis is a leading cause of knee pain for adults over 40. The most common type, osteoarthritis, occurs when the smooth cartilage within the knee wears away and bones begin rubbing together causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Other types include rheumatoid arthritis and post-injury arthritis, both of which may impact your knee health.

Types of Knee Arthritis 

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form, where protective cartilage gradually breaks down from wear and tear.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Can develop months or years after injuries like fractures or ligament tears.
  • Gout & Pseudogout: Less common types, resulting from crystal build-up in the joint; symptoms may include sudden pain and swelling.

What Causes Knee Arthritis?

  • Natural ageing and cartilage wear
  • Family history of arthritis
  • Previous injuries or fractures
  • Carrying extra weight (adds stress to joints)
  • Inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Repetitive movement or high-impact sports

 

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Early Symptoms Chronic Symptoms Special Flare-Ups
Mild pain after walking or climbing stairs Frequent pain, even at rest or during night Sudden, severe pain and swelling (gout/pseudogout)
Morning or after-rest stiffness Ongoing stiffness and movement difficulty More warmth and redness (RA)
Occasional swelling Regular swelling, instability (“giving way”) Can follow injury or overuse
  Grinding feel when moving  

 

DIAGNOSIS : Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination and history. Tests may include:

  • X-rays: To assess cartilage and joint space.
  • MRI scans: For detecting early arthritis or soft tissue injury.
  • Blood tests: To rule out inflammatory causes like RA.
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Treatment Options  

Treatment depends on arthritis type, severity, and your lifestyle.

  • Weight management and daily knee-friendly exercise (walking, swimming, cycling)
  • Tailored physiotherapy to build strength and maintain flexibility
  • Medications (paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, topical creams/gels)
  • Bracing/supports to offload pressure and improve stability
  • Assistive devices (sticks, insoles, orthotics)
  • Self-care: Hot/cold packs, activity pacing & practical home adjustments

  • Steroid injections for severe inflammation or flare-ups
  • Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid): Temporary ease for selected patients
  • PRP (Platelet-rich plasma): Innovative option for early arthritis

  • Considered only if arthritis severely affects daily life and non-surgical care falls short.
  • Knee arthroscopy for meniscal tears or early arthritis
  • Partial knee replacement (if just one section is affected)
  • Total knee replacement (when arthritis is widespread)
  • Osteotomy: Bone realignment – especially for young or active patients

Recovery Timeline

Summary

Knee arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults over 45 in England (18.2%), but early diagnosis and treatment can make a real difference. Most people do well with lifestyle adjustments, exercise, and therapy whereas surgery is needed only for a minority.

If you’re in Manchester and suffering knee pain or stiffness, schedule a specialist assessment with Mr. Radja and take the first step toward lasting joint health.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can lower risk by managing weight, avoiding repetitive strain, and quickly treating injuries. But still these measures are based on the type of arthritis you have

Not often, only 10% require knee replacement; most cases are managed non-surgically.

Low-impact activities (swimming, cycling, walking) help most. Physiotherapists tailor routines for your needs.

Progression varies, but early treatment and lifestyle changes can slow it down.

Injections offer temporary relief, but they don’t cure arthritis; it’s a part of a broader plan.

Stay active with low-impact exercises, use heat or ice for symptoms, maintain a healthy weight, and use supports as advised.

Yes, if pain is mild and manageable. If it’s severe, seek medical advice before traveling. Keep pain meds handy, use support if needed, and take frequent breaks.

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Your Journey to a Pain-Free Knee Starts Now.