Osteoarthritis of the knee
হাঁটুর অস্টিওআর্থ্রাইটিস (হাঁটুর বাত)
This information may help if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. If you have new or ongoing symptoms, please see your healthcare professional for advice.
Read about advice on dealing with a knee problem
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that can affect any joint in the body.
When a joint develops osteoarthritis, part of the cartilage thins and its surface becomes rougher (sometimes called wear and tear). This means the joint no longer moves as smoothly as it should.
Read more about osteoarthritis
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?
Doctors don't know the exact cause, but it's likely that several factors act together. Your chances of developing knee osteoarthritis may be higher if you have
- normal age related changes.
- an old injury to the knee.
- a job or activity that involves repetitive movement.
- certain genes passed down from your parents.
- excess body weight.
Diagnosis
To confirm osteoarthritis of the knee, you'll need to be assessed by a healthcare professional.
They'll usually start by asking you about your knee problem, then examine your knee physically, checking how well it moves and how strong it is.
An x-ray of the knee is sometimes used to help with diagnosis. In some cases, further tests may be needed to rule out other possible health conditions.
Treatment
How is osteoarthritis of the knee treated?
There is no complete cure for osteoarthritis, but in many cases the condition can be managed well by yourself.
Osteoarthritis of the knee varies a lot from person to person. Some people show major changes on an x-ray but have only mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms with very little visible change.
Whether your case is mild, severe, or somewhere in between, treatment usually starts the same way. Keeping the joint moving and active is the best way to manage your symptoms.
You can manage your symptoms by:
- pacing your activities throughout the day
- adapting activities that increase your pain or that you find difficult
- wearing supportive footwear with cushioned soles, and avoiding high heels
- avoiding sitting in one position for long periods
Strengthening the muscles around your knee will also help manage your symptoms. Read more about exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Walking aids and handrails
When climbing stairs, it can help to use a handrail until your muscles get stronger.
Going upstairs, lead with your unaffected leg. Going downstairs, lead with your affected leg.
A walking stick can also be helpful. If you use one, hold it on the side opposite your affected leg.
If you feel a walking aid would help you, speak to your healthcare professional for advice.
Pain management
Pain medication can help you move more comfortably, which in turn helps you manage your symptoms. Read more about taking painkillers.
Treating with heat or ice
Using heat or ice on your knee can help ease your symptoms. Both can reduce pain, so use whichever feels best for you.
Always use a barrier, such as a towel, to protect your skin from burns. Never place ice or heat directly on your skin, and leave a gap of a few hours between treatments.
Ice tends to help when your knee is painful and swollen. Heat tends to help when you have stiffness in the joints or muscles.
When to stop using heat or ice
Stop treating the area with heat or ice if you notice increased redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.
If you have any problems with circulation or sensation in your leg, you should not use heat or ice to treat knee pain.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be needed if all other treatment options have been tried without enough improvement.
If you are waiting for surgery, it is still important to keep your knee moving using the management advice above, as this will support your recovery.
Work
Osteoarthritis of the knee sometimes means you need time off work to support your recovery. How long you need will depend on your condition and the nature of your job.
You do not need to be completely free of symptoms before returning to work. Going back to work as soon as you reasonably can will actually support your recovery.
Gradually building back up to your normal daily activities will help you rebuild strength and stamina over time.
Help and support
If you follow this advice, you should see gradual improvement over time.
Talk to a healthcare professional if:
- your symptoms have not improved within 6 weeks of following this advice
- your symptoms get worse
Find out about access to MSK (musculoskeletal) services in your area.
When dealing with any health condition, it is also important to look after your mental wellbeing, as this can affect your recovery too.