A male patient in his 60s facing the camera in a green jacket, he is talking to mr oni whilst mr oni shows him an articulating model knee joint.

conditions

Knee Arthritis

The ache going down the stairs, the stiffness after sitting, a knee that will not bend like it used to. Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes, and it is very treatable. Surgery is rarely the first step, and Mr Oni will talk you through every option.

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What is knee arthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis: cartilage wear that leads to pain, swelling and stiffness

Knee arthritis, more precisely known as knee osteoarthritis, happens when the smooth cartilage that lines the knee joint gradually wears away. Cartilage lets the joint glide and cushions the load every time you walk, climb stairs or stand up. As it thins, the bones begin to rub together, often described as "bone on bone," which leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and over time a knee that moves less freely than it used to.

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The knee is made up of three compartments: the inner (medial) side, the outer (lateral) side, and the area behind the kneecap. Arthritis can affect just one of these, most often the inner side, which is why many people feel their pain on the inside of the knee, or it can involve the whole joint. Knowing exactly which part is affected matters, because it can be the difference between a partial knee replacement and a total one, and Mr Oni checks this carefully before recommending anything.

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It is one of the most common joint conditions in the UK, nearly a quarter of UK adults over the age of 45 have knee osteoarthritis, and it is usually the reason people begin to think about a knee replacement. The reassuring part is that it is very well understood, most people never need surgery, and there are effective treatments at every stage.

knee with sports tape across the kneecap

Recognising the condition

Common symptoms of knee arthritis

Knee arthritis pain is most often felt on the inside or the front of the knee, and tends to be worse on stairs, when squatting, or after kneeling. It usually starts gradually - stiffness after sitting, a little swelling after activity, and an occasional creak or click - before becoming more constant. These are the signs and symptoms patients most commonly notice.

Pain on the inside of the knee

Aching or sharp pain often felt on the inner side or front of the knee, and worse going up or down stairs, squatting or kneeling.

Swelling around the knee

The knee can swell and feel warm or puffy, especially after activity, as the joint becomes inflamed.

Stiffness after rest

The knee feels stiff first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while, easing once you get moving.

Grinding or creaking

A grating, creaking or clicking sensation, sometimes felt as much as heard, as the worn surfaces move against each other.

The knee giving way

A feeling that the knee might buckle or give out, often when going downstairs or walking on uneven ground.

Catching or locking

The knee catching, sticking or briefly locking as you bend or straighten it.

Trouble bending or straightening

A knee that no longer bends or straightens as far as it should, making kneeling or a full squat difficult.

Pain that disturbs sleep

Discomfort at night or when lying in certain positions, sometimes waking you, as the condition advances.

Many of these symptoms overlap with other knee problems, including meniscal tears and runner's knee, as well as pain referred from the hip. Locking or giving way in particular can have several causes. An accurate diagnosis from a specialist is essential before any treatment is started, and Mr Oni will identify the cause at your first appointment.

The exact cause of knee arthritis is not always clear, but several things make it more likely. Age is the biggest single factor, the cartilage in the knee naturally thins over the years, which is why osteoarthritis is most common in adults over 50. For many people there is no single trigger, the joint has simply done a lot of work over a lifetime.

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A previous knee injury is one of the most important factors, and it is what sets the knee apart from other joints. Damage to the cartilage, a meniscal tear, or a ligament injury, often from sport, can lead to arthritis years later, sometimes called post-traumatic arthritis. Carrying extra weight adds significant load to the knee with every step, and the way your legs are aligned matters too, bow-legged or knock-kneed patterns concentrate the wear on one side of the joint.

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Other contributing factors include a family history of arthritis, previous knee surgery, and jobs or sports that involve repeated kneeling, squatting or heavy impact. Osteoarthritis, the wear and tear type, is by far the most common form. Less common types include rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that follows an injury.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type. A gradual wearing of the cartilage over many years, it accounts for the majority of knee arthritis Mr Oni sees.

Post-traumatic arthritis

Common in the knee. Arthritis that develops after a meniscal tear, ligament injury, fracture or previous surgery, often years later, and it can affect younger, active patients.

Inflammatory arthritis

Less common. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can inflame and damage the knee, often at a younger age and in both knees, and they progress differently.

causes and types

What causes knee arthritis?

A close up image of 4 knee models with varying types of treatments. including knee replacement.

how mr oni Helps

diagnosis & Next Steps

Getting the diagnosis right comes first. Knee pain has several possible causes, so Mr Oni takes the time to pinpoint exactly what is going on, examining the knee, checking which part of the joint is affected, and usually arranging an X-ray, before recommending anything. That way your next steps are built on a clear picture, not assumptions.

01

consultation

A thorough consultation reviewing your symptoms, movement, and any existing imaging. No assumptions, no rushed conclusions.

02

clinical examination

A hands-on assessment of the joint - checking movement, strength and what triggers your pain - to understand exactly what's going on.

03

imaging

Where needed, an X-ray or scan to confirm the diagnosis and see the joint clearly, so nothing is left to guesswork.

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treatment plan

Every option considered. From load management and physiotherapy to further investigations and surgical options. A plan built around your lifestyle and goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

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with the right treatment

life after treatment

Return to activity

Walking, stairs, cycling, gardening, the everyday things and the activities you enjoy become possible again as the pain and stiffness ease.

Sleeping through the night

With the night-time aching settled, most patients get back to sleeping properly, without hunting for a comfortable position for the knee.

Steady on your feet

The knee feels stable and dependable again rather than likely to give way, so stairs, slopes and uneven ground stop being something to worry about.

Less reliance on pain relief

As the knee settles, most patients lean far less on painkillers and anti-inflammatories, and on any brace or walking stick they had been using.

Recognising the condition

How knee arthritis is treated

Knee arthritis can very often be treated without surgery, and most people start at the gentler end. Mr Oni recommends the least invasive option likely to work for you, weight management and physiotherapy first, then injections such as steroid or Arthrosamid to ease pain and inflammation. When the wear is limited to one part of the knee, a partial replacement may be possible, with a total knee replacement considered only when it is genuinely the best step. Explore the options below.

related treatments

Arthrosamid Injection

A non-surgical injectable treatment for knee osteoarthritis that can provide lasting relief from joint pain.

Arthrosamid Injection
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Hands blue glove with black sleeves, holding an arthrosamid injection needle in both hands.

related treatments

Partial Knee Replacement

Resurfacing only the worn part of the knee to relieve pain and restore movement.

Partial Knee Replacement
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A male patient in a green cargo style jacket looking at Mr Oni as he explains how a knee works with a working model of the knee.

related treatments

Total Knee Replacement

Replacing the damaged joint surfaces can relieve pain and restore movement.

Total Knee Replacement
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Mr oni examining the knee of an older female patient laying on an examination table in the surgeons consulting room

related treatments

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted knee replacement, planned and performed around your exact anatomy for greater precision.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery
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side view of Rosa surgery robot, black and white image with the robot facing to the left of the image.
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Patient Stories

Hear from patients who have undergone investigations and treatments for their hip and knee problems with Mr Oni.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Richard M.

Mr Oni explained everything clearly and the whole process was faultless. I was walking the corridors within two days and driving again in a fortnight. The scar is so neat you can hardly see it.

Treatment

Hip Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Robert F.

Mr Oni and the team were very professional throughout. The recovery was tough, but I stuck to the exercises and only needed over-the-counter painkillers. Two months on, I completed a nine-mile bike ride.

Treatment

Robotic Knee Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ms Liz.

Mr Oni and Libby are a really good team and made me feel completely comfortable. I'd been limping for a year, but almost marched into my follow-up. I've got my life back.

Treatment

Arthrosamid Injection

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Tony G.

Mr Oni gave me real confidence going into surgery, and I cannot fault my experience. I'm back to walking the dogs, gardening and farm work. The steep hills that once bothered me, now I don't even notice.

Treatment

Robotic Knee Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Ms Zoe G.

Mr Oni and the team were incredibly supportive, kind and patient. I was walking with a frame the same day and dressing myself the next morning. Within two weeks I could pick my daughter up from school.

Treatment

Hip Replacement

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mr Ian F.

Mr Oni recommended the Arthrosamid injection and everything has been brilliant. Two weeks later I was rotovating the garden for two hours. It felt like some sort of miracle, I didn't notice I'd had bad knees.

Treatment

Arthrosamid Injection

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Take the next step

Book a consultation to discuss your knee pain

Mr Oni will look at your X-rays, examine the knee, and tell you honestly what he thinks, whether that is an injection, surgery, or simply keeping an eye on it for now. No pressure, no assumptions.

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locations

Mr Oni consults and operates at several leading private hospitals across the region, so you can choose the location most convenient for you.

Exterior Image of The Horder Centre Crowborough East Sussex

The Horder Centre

St John's Road
Crowborough
East Sussex
TN6 1XP

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Exterior Image of the Nuffield Health Private Hospital in Tunbridge Wells

Nuffield Health

Kingswood Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN2 4UL

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Exterior Image of the Vale Health Clinic in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Vale Health Clinic

31-33 Vale Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1BS

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, for many patients. Weight management, physiotherapy and injections such as steroid or Arthrosamid can control the pain and keep you active for a long time, and Mr Oni only recommends surgery when these no longer give you enough relief.

Not necessarily. Even when an X-ray shows bone on bone changes, the decision is based on how much pain and difficulty you are actually having, not the scan alone. Many people manage well with injections and physiotherapy first, and when a replacement is needed, sometimes only the worn part of the knee has to be replaced.

It can. Knee arthritis is usually felt in or around the knee, but the ache can spread into the lower thigh or shin, especially after activity. Pain that travels further down the leg, or comes with numbness or tingling, can point to another cause, so it is worth having checked.

Yes. The right exercises strengthen the muscles that support the knee, ease stiffness and can reduce pain, and they are one of the first things Mr Oni recommends. A physiotherapist can tailor a programme to your knee so you build strength safely without overloading the joint.

Depending on your knee, options can include a steroid injection to settle pain and inflammation, or Arthrosamid, a long-lasting hydrogel injection developed specifically for knee osteoarthritis. Mr Oni will explain which is most suitable for you.

Mr Oni will ask about your symptoms and examine the knee, usually alongside a weight-bearing X-ray, which shows how much of the cushioning space has narrowed. In some cases an MRI or blood tests are arranged, for example if a meniscal problem or inflammatory arthritis is suspected.

get in touch

Book your initial
consultation

See Mr Oni at The Horder Centre, The Nuffield Hospital or The Vale Health Clinic.

Fill in the form below or get in touch directly:

Email: libby.gibbs@horder.co.uk

Call: 01892 362736

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Mr Oni walking with his practice manager in a hospital corridor
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