Knee arthritis

Knee arthritis affects millions in the UK and occurs when the smooth cartilage cushioning your knee joint becomes inflamed or wears away. This cartilage normally covers the femur, tibia and patella, helping your knee move smoothly. As it deteriorates, bones rub together, sometimes forming bony spurs.

The condition is more common with age and often develops gradually. Increasing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility can affect both your independence and overall quality of life.

There are three common types of knee arthritis. They are: 

• Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis happens when knee cartilage gradually wears away, often with age. Without this smooth cushioning, bones rub together, causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
• Rheumatoid arthritis:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes joint lining inflammation, leading to pain, swelling and tissue damage. It can affect the knee but often involves other joints such as the hands, wrists or feet. Unlike osteoarthritis, it’s not caused by wear and tear.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: This is a form of osteoarthritis that follows a knee injury. Symptoms – pain, stiffness, and limited movement – may not appear until years later, as cartilage gradually deteriorates after the trauma.

Each of these can be very painful, affecting mobility and daily function. However, with the right treatment, we can help you manage the pain and improve your function.

Knee arthritis affects everyone differently, but common signs can include:

• Pain during activities like walking, standing, crouching, or climbing stairs
• Stiffness that makes bending or straightening your knee difficult
• Swelling sometimes accompanied by warmth or redness
• Catching or locking caused by damaged cartilage, often with a crunching or clicking sound
• Weakness in the knee as surrounding muscles lose strength from reduced movement

You may also notice a reduced range of motion or a grinding sensation.

Symptoms often develop slowly but can worsen over time without treatment, so it’s important to get yourself checked if you’re suffering from any of these.

If knee pain or stiffness is affecting your daily life, booking an appointment with a knee specialist is the first step. We’ll review your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination, and may ask you to gently test your knee’s movement. 

We can also arrange blood tests to check for inflammatory conditions, and use advanced imaging such as X-ray, CT or MRI scans to assess your cartilage, bone spurs, or cysts. This thorough approach helps your consultant understand the cause of your pain and plan the most effective, personalised treatment.

If knee arthritis is limiting your daily activities, there are a range of treatments that can help you regain mobility and reduce discomfort. 

If the symptoms do not improve, or get worse, then surgical options such as partial or total knee replacement can help restore mobility and improve quality of life.

You can find out more about the treatments we offer here.