Osteoarthritis Clinic Bromley – Expert Care for Joint Pain

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Traditionally described as “wear and tear,” it is now recognised as a whole-joint, metabolic, and inflammatory condition. Cartilage breakdown, joint inflammation, and bone changes all contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

OA most often affects the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and ankle, and can make everyday activities — from walking to gripping objects — increasingly difficult.

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide advanced joint assessment including ultrasound scanning to observe degenerative changes in real time. We also take a whole-body approach, offering blood tests to investigate metabolic drivers, rehabilitation programmes, and ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid (Ostenil®) injections to help you stay active and independent.

Osteoarthritis – More Than Just “Wear and Tear”

Recent research shows osteoarthritis is strongly linked with metabolic health. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can accelerate progression through low-grade inflammation and changes in cartilage metabolism.

Because of this, we offer blood tests alongside joint examination to identify underlying health drivers:

HbA1c & glucose – diabetes and insulin resistance
Cholesterol & lipid profile – linked with faster OA progression
Vitamin D & bone markers – essential for joint and muscle health
CRP (inflammatory marker) – detects systemic inflammation

By combining joint treatment with metabolic screening, we target both the local pain and the underlying systemic contributors to osteoarthritis.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Joint pain that worsens with activity but eases with rest
Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting still
Swelling, warmth, or tenderness around the joint
Clicking, grinding, or “creaking” noises (crepitus)
Reduced flexibility or loss of motion
Muscle weakness around the affected joint
Difficulty with daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting, or gripping

How Osteoarthritis Affects Daily Life

Osteoarthritis impacts more than just joints. Patients often experience:

Difficulty staying active or exercising
Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or driving
Struggles with work (both manual and desk-based)
Sleep disturbance due to night pain
Frustration or loss of confidence in movement

Early, proactive management helps maintain independence and prevents symptoms from worsening.

Osteoarthritis Treatment in Bromley

We follow NICE guidelines and the latest clinical research to provide evidence-based, personalised care:

1. Strength & Conditioning

Targeted exercise builds joint support, reduces pain, and improves mobility. Research consistently shows exercise is the most effective long-term treatment for OA.

2. Nutrition & Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints. Even a 5–10% weight loss significantly improves symptoms, particularly in knee OA.

3. Ultrasound-Guided Hyaluronic Acid (Ostenil®) Injections

We specialise in ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid (Ostenil®) injections for the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and ankle. These injections:

Improve lubrication within the joint
Reduce stiffness and restore mobility
Provide relief for several months in many patients
May slow disease progression and delay the need for surgery (unlike corticosteroid injections, which may accelerate degeneration)

4. Considering Surgery

We do not perform surgery at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic. However, if your symptoms remain severe despite treatment, we can provide clear guidance and refer you directly to trusted orthopaedic consultants for further discussion of options such as joint replacement.

Why Choose Our Osteoarthritis Clinic?

✅ Ultrasound scanning to assess degenerative changes in real time
✅ Blood testing to identify metabolic drivers of osteoarthritis
✅ Specialist in ultrasound-guided Ostenil® injections for safe, effective relief
✅ Personalised rehabilitation plans to strengthen and support joints
✅ Whole-body approach – treating both symptoms and underlying causes
✅ Same-week appointments – no long waiting lists

FAQs – Osteoarthritis Treatment Bromley

Q: Can exercise make osteoarthritis worse?
No. The right strengthening and mobility exercises help protect joints, reduce pain, and build strength.

Q: Do I need an MRI or X-ray?
Not always. Many cases are diagnosed clinically. Ultrasound scanning can also show degenerative changes and inflammation.

Q: What are the benefits of Ostenil injections?
Ostenil (hyaluronic acid) improves lubrication, reduces stiffness, and provides relief for months. New research suggests it may also slow progression and delay surgery.

Q: Can diet improve osteoarthritis?
Yes. Nutrition and weight management reduce strain on joints and lower inflammation. Blood tests can help identify key risk factors.

Book Your Appointment Today

Take control of your arthritis with expert care. Book your consultation at our Osteoarthritis Clinic in Bromley and start moving with confidence again.

References

NICE Osteoarthritis Guideline (NG226, 2022) – NICE
Versus Arthritis (2022). Osteoarthritis overview – Versus Arthritis
Berenbaum F. Osteoarthritis as an inflammatory disease. Lancet, 2013. – The Lancet
Courties A, Sellam J. Metabolic OA review. Nat Rev Rheumatol, 2021. – Nature
Christensen R et al. Weight loss reduces OA symptoms. Ann Rheum Dis, 2007. – PubMed
Huffman K et al. Weight loss & knee OA risk. J Rheumatol, 2024. – JRheum
Bannuru RR et al. Hyaluronic acid vs other injections. Ann Intern Med, 2015. – PubMed
RSNA Radiology (2025). Steroid vs HA injections and knee degeneration. – RSNA
Pereira D et al. Viscosupplementation meta-analysis. BMJ, 2022. – BMJ
Fransen M et al. Exercise for OA, Cochrane Review, 2015. – PubMed
Science (2025). Gut–joint metabolic axis in osteoarthritis. – Yale Medicine

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