Arthritis in the Knee

At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our orthopaedic specialists assess and treat arthritis in the knee. If you have ongoing knee pain, stiffness or swelling, we can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.

Arthritis can affect your movement and make everyday activities more difficult. An assessment can help you understand what is causing your symptoms and what you can do to manage them.

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause pain, stiffness, swelling or other changes within a joint.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting the knee. It develops as the cartilage, bone and other tissues in the joint change over time. Cartilage is the smooth tissue that helps the bones move against each other with less friction. As cartilage becomes damaged, movement may become painful or restricted.

Osteoarthritis symptoms can change over time and may sometimes flare up and then settle. The condition does not always steadily get worse.

Other conditions can also cause arthritis in the knee. These include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, reactive arthritis, and gout. These conditions have different causes and may need different treatments.

Because knee pain can have many causes, an accurate diagnosis is important.
The symptoms of arthritis in the knee can develop gradually or become more noticeable over time. They may vary depending on the type and severity of arthritis.

You may experience:

Knee pain during or after activity

Stiffness, particularly after resting or first thing in the morning

Swelling around the knee joint

Reduced range of movement

Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a seated position

A grinding, clicking, or cracking sensation when you move

Weakness or a feeling that the knee may give way

Speak with a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist, become worse or begin to affect your sleep or daily activities.
The cause depends on the type of arthritis.

Factors that may increase the likelihood of knee osteoarthritis include:

Increasing age

A previous knee injury

A family history of osteoarthritis

Work or sports that repeatedly place high loads on the knee

Higher body weight, which can increase the load on the joint

Differences in joint shape or alignment

Weakness in the muscles supporting the knee

Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks tissues in the joints. Reactive arthritis can develop after certain infections.

Your consultant will consider your symptoms, medical history and examination findings when identifying the likely cause.
Your assessment begins with a consultation and physical examination.

Your specialist may:

Ask when your symptoms started and how they have changed

Review your medical history, previous injuries and activity levels

Examine the knee for swelling, tenderness and warmth

Assess movement, strength and stability

Look at how you walk and how your symptoms affect daily activities

Osteoarthritis can often be diagnosed from your symptoms and examination without an X-ray or scan. Imaging may be recommended if your symptoms are unusual, the diagnosis is uncertain or your specialist suspects another condition.

Tests may include:

X-rays, to assess joint spacing, bone changes and alignment

MRI, to provide detailed images of cartilage, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues

Ultrasound, to assess fluid or inflammation around the joint when appropriate

Blood tests, if your specialist suspects an inflammatory condition or another medical cause

You may not need every test. Your specialist will explain which investigations may be helpful and why.
Treatment depends on the type of arthritis, the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life.

Many people successfully manage their symptoms with non-surgical treatment.

Your treatment plan may include:

Information and activity

Understanding your condition can help you make informed decisions about your care. Your specialist can explain which activities are safe and how to manage changes or flare-ups in your symptoms.

Regular movement is usually encouraged. Completely avoiding activity can lead to greater stiffness and muscle weakness.

Physiotherapy and exercise

Therapeutic exercise is a core treatment for knee osteoarthritis. A physiotherapist can develop an exercise programme to:

Strengthen the muscles supporting your knee

Improve flexibility and balance

Maintain or improve joint movement

Make everyday activities easier

Exercise may cause some discomfort when you begin. Your physiotherapist can help you increase activity safely and adjust your programme when needed.

Medication

Your specialist may recommend medicine to reduce pain or inflammation. The choice will depend on the type of arthritis, your general health and any other medicines you take.

Medicines should generally be used alongside exercise and other non-medication treatments. Your consultant will discuss the possible benefits and risks with you.

If you have inflammatory arthritis, you may need specialist treatment that targets the underlying immune-system activity.

Walking aids or knee supports

A walking stick or another mobility aid may reduce pressure on your knee and help you move more confidently.

Knee braces and supports are not routinely needed. They may be considered if joint instability or uneven loading is affecting your movement and function.

Injections

Your consultant may discuss a corticosteroid injection if other medicines have not helped or are not suitable. This type of injection may reduce pain for a short time and can sometimes help you take part in an exercise programme.

Your consultant will explain the likely benefits, limitations and possible risks before recommending an injection.

Further treatment and surgical referral

Your consultant may discuss further options if your symptoms continue to have a substantial effect on your mobility or quality of life despite non-surgical treatment.

Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer knee surgery. If an operation may be appropriate, your consultant can explain the options and coordinate a referral to a surgical specialist.
Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to experienced orthopaedic specialists and coordinated care for conditions affecting the knee and other joints.

Our approach includes:

Consultant-led assessment and diagnosis

Access to advanced imaging and specialised diagnostic testing where clinically appropriate

Personalised treatment plans based on your symptoms, lifestyle and goals

Collaboration with specialists in orthopaedics, rheumatology, physiotherapy and diagnostic imaging

Evidence-based care informed by international clinical expertise

As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to helping you understand your condition and supporting you throughout your care.

Private health insurance

Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

Book a private assessment

If you have ongoing knee pain, stiffness or swelling, our specialists can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate next steps.

Whether you need a diagnosis or advice about how to treat arthritis in the knee, our team will help you understand your options.

Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist