Common symptoms
- Pain with walking, stairs or prolonged standing
- Morning or start-up stiffness
- Swelling or a feeling of heaviness in the knee
- Reduced ability to bend or straighten the knee
- Increasing difficulty with daily activities
How knee arthritis is assessed
Clinical examination looks at alignment, movement, tenderness, stability and function. Weight-bearing X-rays are commonly useful when osteoarthritis is suspected. MRI is not required for every patient with typical arthritis symptoms.
Non-operative treatment
Depending on the individual, treatment may include activity modification, physiotherapy, quadriceps and hip strengthening, weight management where relevant, appropriate medication and selected injection options.
Two people can have similar-looking X-rays but very different pain levels and activity limitations. Treatment should reflect the patient, not the image alone.
When is knee replacement considered?
Replacement is generally considered when advanced arthritis causes persistent pain and loss of function despite appropriate non-operative care, and when the clinical and imaging findings support end-stage joint disease.
Frequently asked questions
Does severe arthritis on X-ray always mean I need surgery?
No. Surgery is based on the combination of symptoms, function, examination findings, imaging and response to non-operative treatment.
Can physiotherapy help knee arthritis?
Yes. Strength, mobility and activity modification can improve function and symptoms for many people, especially in earlier stages.
Do injections cure knee arthritis?
No. Selected injections may help symptoms in some patients, but they do not reverse established osteoarthritis.
Medical information is educational and does not replace an in-person assessment. Treatment depends on symptoms, examination findings, imaging when appropriate and individual health factors.