Knee Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain and stiffness, particularly as we age. It develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the knee gradually wears down, leading to pain, swelling and reduced mobility. This guide explains what knee osteoarthritis is, how it is assessed, and the treatment approaches that may be considered. Any treatment decision should be made together with a qualified doctor after a proper assessment.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which cartilage breaks down over time. In the knee, this can cause the bones to rub more closely together, resulting in pain, inflammation, stiffness and sometimes a grating sensation. Severity is often described using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system (grades 1 to 4) based on X-ray findings.
Common symptoms
– Knee pain that worsens with activity or at the end of the day
– Stiffness, especially after resting or first thing in the morning
– Swelling around the joint
– Reduced range of motion
– A clicking or grinding sensation during movement
Causes and risk factors
Contributing factors can include age, previous knee injury, repetitive high-impact loading, excess body weight, family history, and certain alignment or biomechanical issues. Symptoms do not always match the degree of change seen on imaging.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical assessment of your symptoms and a physical examination of the knee. Imaging such as X-rays may be used to assess the joint and help grade the severity. Your doctor will use these findings, together with your symptoms and activity goals, to discuss suitable options.
Treatment approaches
Management of knee osteoarthritis is individualised and usually starts with conservative measures. These commonly include:
– Maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce load on the knee
– A structured exercise and physiotherapy programme to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve function
– Activity modification
– Appropriate footwear or bracing
– Pain-relief measures as advised by your doctor
Where symptoms are more advanced or do not improve with conservative care, additional procedures may be considered. The most appropriate approach depends on the severity of your condition, your general health and your goals — these should be discussed in detail with an orthopaedic specialist during a consultation.
When to see a specialist
Consider seeing an orthopaedic doctor if your knee pain is persistent, limits your daily activities, disturbs your sleep, or is not improving with rest and simple measures. Early assessment can help you understand your condition and the options available to you.
Book a consultation
Book a consultation with our orthopaedic team to have your knee assessed and to discuss a management plan suited to your needs.
About the Author
Dr Sean Leo is a former SAF Medical Scholarship recipient and served as CO of the Medical Classification Centre at CMPB. After retiring from active military service in 2012, Dr Leo joined Changi General Hospital where he was the Director of Hip and Knee Service. He subsequently went into private practice at Mt Elizabeth Novena Hospital. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Leo is specialised in knee and lower limb surgery with a focus on sport injuries, rehabilitation and performance.
