Knee Osteoarthritis
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, affecting around 10% of people, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints. However, a diagnosis doesn’t mean your condition will worsen. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to manage your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis involves changes to the cartilage in the knee joint, which cushions and supports movement. As we age, these changes can naturally occur, and the joint lining may become irritated. These changes don’t necessarily mean the joint is damaged, but they can sometimes cause symptoms.
While many people with knee osteoarthritis have no symptoms, others may experience a variety of different effects.
Symptoms may include:
- Most commonly, the knee can feel painful, stiff and swollen.
- The knee may feel particularly stiff in the morning, and more painful at night.
- Some people find that pain can wake them up at night.
- You might notice that your knee makes crunching or grinding noises. (These noises are harmless and nothing to worry about as they are a common symptom of this condition.)
- Pain can occur with activities such as walking, going up and down stairs, and even getting up from sitting.
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?
The exact cause of osteoarthritis isn’t always clear, as several factors can contribute. While it can affect people of all ages, it’s most common in those over 45. Genetics play a key role, and previous injuries to the knee can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Osteoarthritis pain isn’t only caused by changes in the joint. Research shows that other factors can also influence pain.
Factors which may contribute to worse symptoms:
- carrying excessive weight, particularly around the middle.
- muscle weakness.
- smoking.
- inactivity or unaccustomed over-activity.
- life changes, including periods of stress or illness.
- poor mental health such as depression or anxiety.
- other physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Ask for an Urgent GP Appointment or Call 111 If:
- You have severe knee pain and feel generally unwell, with a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- You have severe knee pain, are unable to walk or put weight on your leg, or notice a change in the shape of your knee after a fall or injury.
Facts about Osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis can often present on an x-ray in those who do not have symptoms. This is because pain is influenced by more than just the changes you can see on an x-ray.
For example, research has shown that a 10% reduction of body weight (if you are overweight) results in a 50% reduction in pain. Evidence also shows that not being afraid to use your knee and a positive mindset about the joint will increase your chances of making meaningful improvements in your symptoms and function.
In fact, exercise is the best thing you can do for the health of the knee joint. Moving the joint and strengthening the muscles around the painful joint improves functional capacity of the knee.