Knee Arthritis
What is knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that normally cushions the knee joint gradually wears down, causing the bones to rub against one another. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduction in the knee's normal range of movement.
The most common form is osteoarthritis, which develops as cartilage deteriorates over time, though other forms of arthritis (such as rheumatoid or post-traumatic arthritis) can also affect the knee. Dr Varun Arora sees and treats patients with knee arthritis at all stages, from early symptoms through to advanced joint damage, across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of knee arthritis include:
Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity or first thing in the morning
Swelling around the joint
A grinding, clicking, or catching sensation in the knee
Reduced range of motion
A feeling of the knee giving way or becoming unstable
Visible changes in joint shape or alignment as the condition progresses
Causes and risk factors
Knee arthritis can develop for a number of reasons, including:
Age-related wear and tear of the joint
Previous knee injury, such as ligament or meniscal tears
Joint overuse or repetitive strain
Genetic predisposition
Excess body weight, which places additional load on the joint
Other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions affecting the joints
Treatment options for knee arthritis
Treatment for knee arthritis depends on the severity of symptoms, the degree of joint damage, and the impact on daily life. Dr Arora will assess your individual circumstances to recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.
Non-surgical treatment
In the earlier stages of knee arthritis, non-surgical approaches are often recommended first, and may include:
Physiotherapy and targeted strengthening exercises
Weight management
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication
Walking aids or bracing
Corticosteroid or other joint injections
These measures aim to reduce pain and improve function, and may be sufficient to manage symptoms for an extended period, particularly in early to moderate arthritis.
Surgical treatment
When non-surgical treatment no longer provides adequate relief, or when joint damage is more advanced, surgical options may be considered. Depending on the extent and location of the arthritis within the knee, this may include:
Total Knee Replacement — recommended when arthritis affects the whole joint and conservative treatment has been exhausted.
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement — a partial knee replacement that may be suitable when arthritis is confined to a single compartment of the knee.
Knee Arthroscopy — occasionally used in select cases to address specific mechanical symptoms, though it is not a treatment for underlying arthritis itself.
Dr Arora will discuss which of these options, if any, is appropriate based on your imaging, symptoms, and goals.
Knee Arthritis Frequently Asked Questions
Can knee arthritis be cured?
Arthritis cannot be reversed, but its symptoms can be effectively managed with the right combination of non-surgical and, where needed, surgical treatment.
How do I know if I need surgery?
Surgery is generally considered once non-surgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief and arthritis is significantly affecting daily life. Dr Arora can assess this during a consultation.
Will I need a full or partial knee replacement?
This depends on which parts of the knee are affected by arthritis, which will be assessed through examination and imaging.
How long can I delay surgery?
Every patient's situation is different. Some people manage symptoms with non-surgical treatment for many years, while others progress more quickly. This will be discussed on an individual basis.
Knee Surgery in Melbourne
If you are experiencing knee pain and would like to discuss your treatment options, contact Dr Varun Arora to schedule a consultation.