What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis isn’t just about “wear and tear.” It often involves inflammation in the joint lining (called synovitis), which causes pain, stiffness and swelling. In addition, the stresses experienced in the joint can cause areas of bone bruising around it which can be painful, especially on weight bearing activities.
Are X-rays Enough?
X-rays have been used to diagnose arthritis for years, however they are unable to detect earlier changes, or signs of inflammation. MRI and ultrasound have been shown to help detect these changes which guides more advanced treatment options.
Can We Regrow Cartilage?
No, unfortunately, we can’t right now. However, we can slow changes using injection treatments, rehab exercises, and weight loss, all of which helps protect the joint cartilage from further injury
Early Treatment Is Best
Treating knee osteoarthritis early on can help you avoid major operations such as:
- Total Knee Replacement – a major operation for end stage knee osteoarthritis
- High Tibial Osteotomy – this involves removing part of the shin bone to realign the joint. It can protect the joint from advancing arthritis but it is a major procedure with a recovery time of between 9–12 months and isn’t suitable for most patients
Steps to Manage Knee Osteoarthritis
Calm Inflammation and Help Healing
- Steroid injections ease inflammation for a few weeks to months, but steroids have been shown to increase cartilage loss and inhibit tissue healing. This treatment approach, although common in the UK, is rapidly falling out of favour with knee arthritis specialists
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses your own blood to reduce inflammation (like steroids) but supports tissue repair. Studies show that PRP eases pain and improves function in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis for at least 12 months. Emerging evidence also shows that it protects the joint cartilage so does much more than reduce pain.
- Arthrosamid a new treatment using a long-lasting hydrogel injected into the knee joint to reduce inflammation pain. Clinical studies demonstrate safe and lasting improvements in pain and function.
Boost Joint Lubrication
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural compound found in joint fluid but is reduced in osteoarthritis. Supplementation by injection treatment restores this normal joint “oil” providing cushioning and reducing friction.
- Patients report this helps where stiffness and aching are the main symptoms. Benefit can be felt for up to 12 months.
- Recent studies have shown that combining PRP with HA may give better results than injecting only one. Combination therapy is therefore becoming the best option.
Strengthen Muscles
Strong muscles around the knee help take pressure off your joint.
- Walking, swimming, cycling, and guided physiotherapy exercises facilitate this.
- A regular, graduated plan is key under the supervision of an expert physiotherapist who understands the challenges of this condition.
Lose Excess Weight
- Each pound lost removes knee load. One study found every 1 lb dropped equalled 4 lbs less pressure on the knee!
- Dietary support can help with newer meds like Mounjaro being an option if you are eligible.
Mounjaro
- Approved in the UK in 2023 for weight loss in adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30, or greater than 27 with weight related health problems
- NHS rollout is slow and is prioritising those with a BMI greater than 35 and with health conditions; wider access may take years
- Private clinics are now prescribing it for a wider group of patients, including those with joint problems.
In a nutshell
- Assess joint health with MRI or ultrasound
- Inject smart aiming to avoid steroids as a longer term solution
- Build strength with safe exercise led by expert physios
- Lose weight through diet and, if appropriate, new weight loss medication such as Mounjaro.
- Stick with it – these strategies take time but once established are long lasting and can delay or avoid major surgery
When to Talk to Someone
Book an appointment with Dr Collins if:
- Your knee pain and stiffness limits daily life and is not settling
- You feel swelling or warmth in your knee.
- You’ve tried rest, physiotherapy, and painkillers but nothing helps.
We can help you with advanced imaging and in creating a tailored treatment protocol.
Final Message
Knee OA isn’t about old age or worn-out joints—it is an active, inflammatory condition and common in middle age. You can take control by acting early with modern injection treatments, building joint strength, and losing weight. Together these will help reduce pain, keep you active, and protect the joint from needing major surgery later in life.