Osteoarthritis of the knee

Knee osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that affects the smooth cartilage lining the joint. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement and helping you continue the activities that matter to you.

What causes knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis usually develops gradually. Factors that may contribute include age, inherited joint shape or alignment, previous cartilage or ligament injury, and the amount of load passing through the knee.

What are the symptoms?

  • pain, swelling and stiffness
  • reduced movement
  • stiffness after rest or first thing in the morning
  • pain during walking, stairs or other daily activities
  • creaking or crunching, although these sounds can also occur in healthy knees
  • disturbed sleep in more advanced cases

The amount of pain does not always match the changes seen on an X-ray.

 

How is it diagnosed?

Your consultant will discuss how the symptoms affect your life and examine the knee. Weight-bearing X-rays can show the position and extent of joint changes. An MRI scan may sometimes be used if the diagnosis is unclear or another condition needs to be assessed.

How is it treated?

Your treatment will reflect your symptoms, general health, lifestyle and personal goals. It usually begins with non-surgical care.

Contact our appointments team
What causes knee osteoarthritis?

Treatment routes for osteoarthritis

Options may include physiotherapy, strength and fitness exercises, low-impact activity, weight management where relevant, walking aids and medication for pain or inflammation if it is suitable for you. Your consultant may also discuss injection treatments.

Working with professionals and teams

Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places repeated demands on their knees. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport, work and everyday activities.

 

The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.

 

Working with professionals and teams

Our Experts - Leaders in Knee Treatments

Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.

How to pay

We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.

Private medical insurance

Private medical insurance

If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.

Paying for yourself

Paying for yourself

You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.

 

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