Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of knee pain, particularly as we get older. It’s a condition that can creep up gradually, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair more difficult. The good news is that with the right approach, symptoms can be managed effectively, and quality of life can be maintained.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage that covers the joint breaks down over time. In the knee, this means the joint becomes less protected, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. While often associated with ageing, knee OA isn’t just “wear and tear”; it’s influenced by a mix of lifestyle, genetics, and previous injury.

Common Symptoms

People with knee osteoarthritis may notice:

·       Pain / aching in the knee, especially with movement or after activity

·       Stiffness especially first thing in the morning or extended periods of inactivity

·       Swelling around the knee joint

·       Reduced movement or difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee

·       Grinding / clicking or creaking sounds when moving the knee

·       Loss of strength or confidence in the knee, sometimes leading to giving way or feelings of giving way

Symptoms often fluctuate, with some days feeling manageable and others more

challenging.

What Causes Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee OA develops when the natural repair processes in the joint can’t keep up with everyday stress and strain. Risk factors include:

·       Age – more common as we get older.

·       Previous injuries – such as ligament tears, meniscus damage, previous surgeries can

·       lead to more accelerated degenerative change.

·       Repetitive stress – jobs or activities involving frequent kneeling, squatting, or heavy

·       lifting.

·       Genetics – family history can play a role.

·       Weight – carrying extra body weight increases pressure on the knee joint.

·       Muscle weakness – particularly in the quadriceps and glutes, which normally

·       support the knee can lead to overload.

Managing Knee Osteoarthritis

Although there’s no “cure” for OA, there are many ways to reduce symptoms and keep

active:

·       Exercise therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee (particularly the quadriceps and glutes) improves support and reduces pain. Aerobic activities like walking, cycling and swimming are also very beneficial. 

·       Physiotherapy: Tailored exercise programs and education from a physiotherapist can make a huge difference in reducing pain and improving function.

·       Weight management: Even small reductions in body weight can significantly decrease the load on the knee joint and provide relief.

·       Activity modification: Backing off of activities that cause aggravation, choosing activities that are less irritating to the joint are important in settling knee pain down.

·       Pacing: Building activity levels up gradually to prevent doing ‘too much too soon’ and causing aggravation.

·       Pain relief: Hot / cold therapy, over the counter pain medications can help to manage flare ups.

·       Injections or surgery: In more severe cases, more invasive interventions such as corticosteroid injections or knee replacement surgery may be considered.

Key Takeaway

Knee osteoarthritis doesn’t mean giving up the activities you enjoy. With the right management strategies, it’s possible to keep moving, stay strong, and live well with the condition. Physiotherapy plays a central role in this journey

Need help managing knee osteoarthritis? We can help at Mojo Physio, simple book online or call us on 0430 614 207.