Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most common type, caused by wear and tear over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
A disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing swelling and pain.
Post-traumatic arthritis
Arthritis that develops after a knee injury, like a fracture (broken bone) or torn ligament.
Gout & pseudogout
Conditions caused by tiny crystal deposits in the joint, leading to sudden pain and swelling.
Age
The risk increases as you get older, especially after 50.
Previous injuries
Past injuries, such as a torn ligament or fracture, can make arthritis more likely.
Excess weight
Extra body weight puts more pressure on the knee joint, causing faster cartilage breakdown.
Family history
Arthritis can run in families, meaning you may have a higher chance of developing it.
Repetitive stress on the knee
Jobs or activities that involve lots of bending or heavy lifting can wear out the joint faster.
Pain
It often feels worse when moving and better when resting.
Stiffness
The knee may feel tight, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Swelling
The knee may look puffy due to inflammation (the body’s response to irritation or injury).
Reduced movement
It may become harder to bend or straighten your knee.
Grinding or clicking feeling
This happens when the bones rub against each other due to cartilage loss.
Medical history and physical exam
Asking about symptoms and checking knee movement.
X-rays
Pictures of the knee to see if the bones are rubbing together.
MRI or CT scans
Advanced imaging to check for damage to soft tissues (like cartilage and ligaments).
Blood tests
If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, blood tests can check for signs of inflammation.
Lifestyle changes
Losing weight and doing gentle exercises to reduce pressure on the knee.
Physiotherapy (exercise program)
Special exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve movement.
Medications (pain relief)
Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and stronger anti-inflammatory injections (steroids, hyaluronic acid, or Arthrosamid).
Bracing and support devices
Knee braces can help support the joint and reduce discomfort.
Knee arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)
A small camera is inserted into the knee to clean out damaged cartilage (works best in early arthritis).
Osteotomy (Bone realignment surgery)
The leg bone is adjusted to shift weight off the damaged part of the knee.
Partial knee replacement
Only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced.
Total knee replacement
The entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint for long-term pain relief.
Stay active
Exercises like swimming and cycling are gentle on the joints but keep them strong.
Use supportive devices
Walking sticks or knee braces can help take pressure off the knee.
Hot and cold therapy
Using heat packs can relax stiff muscles, while ice packs can reduce swelling.
