Knee Osteoarthritis – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points

• Knee osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual thinning of cartilage in the knee joint.

• Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and creaking (crepitus).

• It is common in people over 50, those with a history of injury, or with metabolic health conditions.

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we offer osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, Ostenil® injections, and tailored rehabilitation to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

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What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the protective cartilage in the knee wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

It most commonly affects the medial (inside) compartment of the knee but can involve any part of the joint. Symptoms usually progress gradually and can significantly impact daily life, from walking and climbing stairs to exercise.

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Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

• Aching pain in or around the knee, worse with activity

• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest

• Swelling around the knee joint

• Grinding, clicking, or creaking (crepitus)

• Loss of flexibility and reduced range of motion

• Night pain when lying on the affected side or during rest

• Episodes of the knee “giving way” due to weakness

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Age – more common in people over 50

• Previous injury – e.g. ligament tears, meniscus injuries, or fractures

• Repetitive stress from work or sport

• Excess weight – increases pressure on the knee

• Metabolic health factors – diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid imbalance, low vitamin D

• Family history of arthritis

• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

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Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis includes:

• Osteopathic examination – range of motion, swelling, tenderness, functional testing

• Ultrasound imaging – to detect cartilage thinning, joint effusion, synovitis, and osteophytes in real time

• Blood tests – to assess metabolic and inflammatory factors such as diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid issues, vitamin D deficiency, and rheumatoid markers

• Referral for X-ray or MRI if surgical planning is considered

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Self-Help for Knee Osteoarthritis

• Stay active with low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, or cycling

• Apply heat packs for stiffness, ice packs if swelling

• Use over-the-counter pain relief (paracetamol, short-term NSAIDs if tolerated)

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the knee

• Do gentle mobility and strengthening exercises

• Wear supportive shoes to reduce joint stress

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy to reduce stiffness and improve movement

✅ Exercise rehabilitation – tailored strength and conditioning programmes to support the knee

✅ Sports massage – easing tightness in surrounding muscles

✅ Ultrasound scanning – to monitor degenerative changes and guide care

✅ Blood testing & metabolic management – addressing systemic health factors that may accelerate arthritis progression

✅ Ostenil® injections (hyaluronic acid) – performed under ultrasound guidance to improve lubrication, reduce pain, and increase mobility for several months

✅ Referral to orthopaedic consultants – if severe arthritis requires surgical consideration (e.g. knee replacement)

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Prevention

While knee osteoarthritis cannot always be prevented, you can slow progression by:

• Staying active and maintaining strong leg muscles

• Avoiding sudden increases in training load

• Managing your weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar

• Using ergonomic adaptations if your job involves kneeling or heavy lifting

• Treating injuries early to prevent long-term joint damage

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FAQs – Knee Osteoarthritis

Q: Can knee osteoarthritis be reversed?
No, but symptoms can be effectively managed with the right care.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Ultrasound is highly effective in detecting changes within the knee joint. X-ray or MRI may be used for surgical planning.

Q: Why are blood tests important?
They can identify underlying contributors such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or high cholesterol that may worsen joint degeneration.

Q: What are Ostenil® injections?
They are hyaluronic acid injections that restore lubrication and cushioning in the knee joint, often reducing pain and improving mobility for several months.

Q: Will I need surgery?
Many people manage well with conservative care. We can refer you to trusted orthopaedic consultants if surgery becomes appropriate.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let knee arthritis slow you down. Book your Knee Osteoarthritis assessment in Bromley today and take the first step toward better movement.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available