Knee osteoarthritis (OA)
Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain, stiffness and swelling. It involves changes to cartilage, bone and the joint lining (synovium). Many people improve with the right combination of physiotherapy, strength training, load management and lifestyle support. Where clinically appropriate, injections can be used to reduce pain and help you progress rehab.
Common symptoms
- Pain when walking, stairs or standing from a chair
- Morning stiffness (often under 30 minutes)
- Swelling or a “puffy” knee after activity
- Reduced bending/straightening and loss of confidence in the knee
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on your history and examination. X‑ray can show osteoarthritis features, but symptoms don’t always match the scan findings. Diagnostic ultrasound can identify effusion (fluid), synovitis, bursitis and tendon involvement, and can support accurate injection placement when indicated.
Physiotherapy and exercise (first‑line)
- Strength training: quads, glutes, calves and hip abductors
- Load management: pacing, step count planning, return‑to‑walking programme
- Mobility: knee extension work, ankle/hip mobility if contributing
- Weight and metabolic health: small reductions can meaningfully reduce joint load
- Footwear/orthoses: used selectively based on biomechanics
Injection options (when clinically appropriate)
Important: injections are not “a cure” for osteoarthritis. They are a tool to reduce pain so you can keep moving and progress rehab.
- Corticosteroid (cortisone) injection: can reduce inflammation‑driven pain, typically for weeks to months. Often most useful when there is synovitis/effusion.
- Hyaluronic acid injection: may support symptom control in some patients with OA. Response varies.
We perform ultrasound‑guided injections where indicated, with consent and aftercare information provided in writing.
When to seek urgent help
- Hot, red, very swollen knee with fever
- Inability to weight bear after injury
- Calf swelling/redness with breathlessness (possible clot – urgent)
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