Osteoarthritis of the knee

This information may be useful if you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. If you have new or ongoing symptoms, you should see a doctor for advice.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition, and it can affect any joint in the body. When a joint develops osteoarthritis, part of the cartilage thins and the surface becomes rougher (this is sometimes called wear and tear). So the joint doesn't move as smoothly as it should.

No one knows the exact cause of osteoarthritis of the knee, but it's likely that several factors work together. Some things can raise your chances of developing it in the knee:

• normal changes that come with age.
• an injury to the area in the past.
• repetitive activities and physical jobs.
• inheriting certain genetics from your parents.
• being overweight.

Osteoarthritis of the knee doesn't look the same in everyone. Some people have only a few of the symptoms below, and others have most of them.

• joint pain, which can be worse when you move or do activities.
• stiffness in the knee, often in the morning or after resting.
• swelling in the joint.
• weakness in the thigh muscle.
• the knee giving way when you walk or put weight on it.
• creaking, grating and crunching noises as you move.

To diagnose osteoarthritis of the knee, you will need to be assessed by a healthcare professional. They'll start by asking you about the problem with your knee, and then they'll examine it. This includes checking how well you can move the knee and how strong it is.

Sometimes an x-ray of the knee is used to help reach a diagnosis. You may also need a further examination, so that other possible health conditions can be ruled out.

There's no cure for osteoarthritis of the knee, but in a good number of cases you can manage it successfully yourself. How bad it is varies a lot. Some people have big changes showing on an x-ray and only mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms and very little physical change.

Whichever group you fall into, and that includes everyone in between, treatment starts the same way. Keeping the joint 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.

When you climb stairs, think about holding a handrail until your muscles get stronger. Going upstairs, lead with the leg that isn't affected. Going downstairs, lead with the affected leg.

A walking stick can help. If you use one, hold it on the opposite side from your affected leg.

If you feel a walking aid would help you, talk to your doctor for advice.

Pain medicine can help you move more comfortably, and that in turn can help keep your knee osteoarthritis symptoms under control.

Using heat or ice on your knee can help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Both help reduce pain, so use whichever feels better for you.

Take care to protect your skin from a burn. Put a barrier, like a towel, between your skin and the ice or heat. Never place either directly on your skin. Leave a few hours between treatments, and take the same care with hot water bottles, which can cause burns and scalds.

Ice can help if your knee is painful and swollen. Heat may help if you have stiffness in the joints or muscles.

Stop using heat or ice on your knee if the skin becomes more red, changes colour or starts to blister.

If you have any problem with circulation or feeling in the area, don't use heat or ice for knee pain at all.

In some cases, surgery may be needed for osteoarthritis of the knee, but only after all the other treatment options have been tried.

If you're waiting for surgery, it's still important to keep your knee moving. Follow the management advice above, because this will help your recovery.

Osteoarthritis of the knee can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work so you can recover. How long you're off will depend on your condition and on what your job involves.

You don't need to be free of symptoms before you think about going back. Carrying on with work, or returning as soon as you're able, will help your recovery.

Getting back to your normal daily activities bit by bit can also build up your strength and stamina.

Follow this advice for osteoarthritis of the knee and you should see gradual improvements over time.

Talk to a doctor if:

• your symptoms haven't improved within 6 weeks of following this advice
• your symptoms get worse

Find out about access to MSK services in your area.

With any health condition, look after your mental wellbeing too, because it can affect your recovery.

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