Knee Osteoarthritis
Reduce knee pain, improve strength and mobility, and move with greater confidence through personalised physiotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis.
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Take the First Step Towards Better Movement
Our experienced physiotherapists are here to help you improve mobility, regain strength, and move with greater comfort and confidence.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee Osteoarthritis, often called Knee OA, is a condition involving changes to the structures of the knee joint.
The knee is a complex joint made up of:
Bones
Cartilage
Menisci
Ligaments
Muscles
Joint Lining
Synovial Fluid
In osteoarthritis, the joint can undergo gradual changes affecting the cartilage and underlying bone, along with other tissues within and around the joint.
These changes can affect how the knee:
Moves
Absorbs Load
Responds to Physical Activity
Functions During Daily Activities
Knee osteoarthritis does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people may have significant changes visible on imaging with relatively mild symptoms, while others may experience substantial pain and functional difficulty.
Symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of increased discomfort followed by periods of improvement.
What Are The Symptoms Of Knee Osteoarthritis?
Common Symptoms
Knee Pain: Pain may occur during walking, standing, climbing stairs, or other weight-bearing activities.
Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff, particularly after periods of rest or inactivity.
Reduced Range of Motion: It may become difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee.
Pain After Activity: Symptoms may increase after prolonged or demanding activity.
Difficulty Walking: Knee pain or stiffness can reduce walking tolerance.
Difficulty Climbing Stairs: Going up or down stairs may become painful or challenging.
Other Possible Symptoms
Swelling: The knee may become swollen.
Weakness: Muscles around the knee may become weaker.
Clicking or Grinding Sensation: Some people notice sounds or sensations during movement.
Pain When Getting Up from a Chair: Bending and straightening the knee under load may be uncomfortable.
Difficulty Squatting or Kneeling: Deep knee bending may increase symptoms.
Reduced Balance: Pain, weakness, and reduced movement can affect stability.
Feeling of Instability: The knee may feel weak or less secure.
Reduced Physical Activity: Symptoms may make people less active over time.
Changes in Knee Shape or Alignment: Some people develop changes in the appearance or alignment of the knee.
Sleep Disturbance: More significant pain may affect sleep in some individuals.
What Are The Causes Of Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis usually develops due to a combination of factors rather than one single cause.
Age-Related Changes: The likelihood of osteoarthritis increases with age.
Previous Knee Injury: Previous ligament, meniscus, or fracture injuries can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Repeated Joint Loading: Certain occupations, activities, or sports may involve frequent loading of the knee.
Higher Body Weight: Increased body weight can place greater load on the knee joint.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness, particularly around the knee and hip, can affect joint support and movement.
Family History: Genetics may influence the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
Joint Alignment: Differences in knee alignment may affect how load is distributed.
Previous Knee Surgery: Previous surgical procedures may influence the risk in some individuals.
Reduced Physical Activity: Low activity levels can contribute to muscle weakness and reduced joint function.
Inflammatory or Other Joint Conditions: Some medical conditions can contribute to joint changes.
Diagnosis Of Knee Osteoarthritis
Medical History: A healthcare professional will ask about pain, stiffness, previous injuries, activity levels, symptoms, and functional difficulties.
Physical Examination: The knee is assessed for swelling, tenderness, movement, strength, and joint alignment.
Range of Motion Assessment: Knee bending and straightening are evaluated.
Strength Testing: The quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and other supporting muscles are assessed.
Walking Assessment: Your walking pattern and movement are evaluated.
Functional Assessment: Activities such as sitting, standing, squatting, stepping, and climbing stairs may be assessed.
Balance Assessment: Standing and dynamic balance may be evaluated.
Joint Stability Assessment: The knee may be assessed for associated ligament or movement problems.
X-Rays: X-rays can help identify structural changes associated with osteoarthritis.
MRI Scan: MRI is not always required but may be used when other joint or soft-tissue problems are suspected.
Diagnosis is based on the overall clinical picture rather than imaging findings alone.
Treatment Of Knee Osteoarthritis
Treatment is based on your symptoms, functional limitations, overall health, and personal goals.
Physiotherapy: Exercise-based rehabilitation is an important part of managing knee osteoarthritis.
Progressive Strengthening: Strengthening the muscles around the knee and hip can improve support and function.
Regular Physical Activity: Appropriate activity helps maintain strength, mobility, and general health.
Mobility Exercises: Regular movement can help maintain or improve knee flexibility.
Activity Modification: Adjusting demanding activities may help manage symptom flare-ups while maintaining overall activity.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy body weight may help reduce load on the knee when appropriate.
Pain Management: A healthcare professional may recommend medication or other strategies to manage symptoms.
Heat or Cold Therapy: These may provide temporary symptom relief for some people.
Walking Aids: A cane or other walking aid may be recommended in selected cases.
Knee Bracing: A brace may help selected individuals depending on their symptoms and knee alignment.
Injection Treatment: Healthcare professionals may consider injections in selected cases.
Specialist Referral: Persistent or severe symptoms may require assessment by an orthopaedic specialist.
Knee Replacement Surgery: Joint replacement may be considered when symptoms are severe, significantly affect quality of life, and appropriate non-surgical management has not provided sufficient relief.
What Is The Physiotherapy Treatment Of Knee Osteoarthritis
Detailed Assessment: At Pure Physio, we assess your pain, knee movement, muscle strength, walking pattern, balance, daily activities, lifestyle, and functional limitations.
Individualised Rehabilitation Programme: Your treatment is tailored according to your symptoms, physical abilities, activity level, lifestyle, and personal goals.
Pain Management Strategies: Appropriate treatment and exercise selection may help manage pain and improve comfort.
Knee Mobility Exercises: Carefully selected exercises help maintain or improve knee bending and straightening.
Quadriceps Strengthening: Targeted exercises strengthen the muscles at the front of the thigh to support the knee during daily activities.
Hamstring Strengthening: Exercises improve strength and control in the muscles at the back of the thigh.
Hip and Gluteal Strengthening: Targeted exercises improve lower-limb strength, alignment, and movement control.
Calf Strengthening: Progressive exercises support standing, walking, and overall lower-limb function.
Functional Strength Training: Exercises focus on practical movements such as sitting to standing, stepping, squatting, and climbing stairs.
Balance Training: Exercises help improve stability and confidence during standing and movement.
Walking Retraining: We assess and guide your walking pattern to support safe and efficient movement.
Movement Retraining: Therapy may address lower-limb control during everyday activities.
Low-Impact Exercise Guidance: We can guide appropriate activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or other exercises based on your individual abilities and preferences.
Stair Climbing Rehabilitation: Exercises may help improve strength and confidence during stair activities.
Activity Pacing: We provide guidance on balancing activity and rest to help manage symptoms without unnecessary inactivity.
Home Exercise Programme: A personalised programme supports continued strength and mobility between appointments.
Progress Monitoring: Your rehabilitation is regularly reviewed and adjusted according to pain, movement, strength, walking ability, and functional improvement.
Why Choose Pure Physio?
Comprehensive Knee Assessment: We assess pain, stiffness, movement, strength, balance, walking patterns, and functional limitations.
Personalised Rehabilitation Plans: Your programme is tailored according to your symptoms, lifestyle, physical abilities, activity demands, and goals.
Exercise-Based Management: Rehabilitation focuses on improving the physical factors that support knee function and everyday movement.
Improve Knee Mobility: Carefully selected exercises help maintain or improve comfortable joint movement.
Build Knee and Lower-Limb Strength: Progressive rehabilitation targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hips, gluteals, and other muscles supporting the knee.
Improve Balance and Stability: Targeted exercises help improve confidence and control during standing and walking.
Walking and Movement Retraining: We help improve movement patterns to support comfortable and efficient daily activity.
Support for Daily Activities: Rehabilitation targets meaningful movements such as getting up from a chair, walking, climbing stairs, and squatting.
Activity Management Guidance: We help you stay appropriately active while managing symptom flare-ups.
Low-Impact Exercise Support: Guidance is provided to help you remain physically active in ways that suit your condition and abilities.
Safe Exercise Progression: Your programme is adjusted according to symptoms, strength, mobility, and functional progress.
Home Exercise Guidance: You receive a personalised programme to support consistent progress outside your appointments.
Regular Progress Monitoring: Your rehabilitation is reviewed and adapted according to changes in pain, stiffness, movement, strength, walking ability, and function.
Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: If knee replacement or another procedure becomes necessary, physiotherapy can support preparation and recovery according to your medical team’s guidance.
Integrated Care Approach: We work alongside doctors, orthopaedic specialists, rheumatologists, and other healthcare professionals when required.
Focused on Long-Term Knee Health: Our goal is to help reduce symptoms, improve strength and mobility, maintain independence, and support an active and confident lifestyle.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
Don’t let pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility affect your daily life. Get personalised physiotherapy care designed around your condition and recovery goals.