This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage in the knee gradually wears down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
2. What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms include knee pain (especially with activity), stiffness after rest, swelling, reduced range of motion, a feeling of grinding or clicking, and difficulty performing daily tasks like climbing stairs or standing from a chair.
3. What causes knee osteoarthritis?
Knee OA can result from aging, previous injury, joint overuse, obesity, genetics, or other medical conditions. Repetitive stress on the knee joint over time contributes to cartilage wear and tear.
4. How is knee OA diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination, and sometimes imaging such as X-rays or MRI. Your GP may check for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and joint alignment.
5. How is knee OA treated?
Treatment includes lifestyle changes (weight management, low-impact exercise), physical therapy, pain relief (paracetamol or NSAIDs if suitable), supportive devices (knee braces), and in advanced cases, injections or surgery such as knee replacement.
6. Can knee OA be cured?
There is no cure for knee OA, but symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, exercise, medication, and appropriate interventions to maintain mobility and quality of life.
7. How can exercise help knee OA?
Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking strengthen muscles around the knee, improve joint stability, reduce stiffness, and help manage pain. Physical therapy programs can provide targeted exercises.
8. Can weight loss improve knee OA symptoms?
Yes. Losing weight reduces pressure on the knee joint, decreases pain, and slows cartilage wear. Even small reductions in body weight can significantly benefit joint function and comfort.
9. Can knee OA lead to surgery?
Some people with severe knee OA may require surgical interventions like knee replacement if conservative measures fail to relieve pain and restore function. Surgery is considered only after thorough assessment.
10. How can I prevent knee OA from worsening?
Maintain a healthy weight, stay active with low-impact exercises, avoid repetitive knee strain, use proper footwear, and manage any underlying health conditions. Early diagnosis and management help slow progression.
