Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. It mostly affects the knees and hips, with age, extra weight or after injuries.
Not every arthritic joint needs an operation. With the right plan, many patients ease their pain substantially and stay active for years.
When is it needed?
- Knee pain on stairs or standing up from a chair
- Morning stiffness in the joint
- Clicking and recurrent swelling of the knee
- Difficulty praying or sitting on the floor
What to expect
- 01Grading the arthritis with examination and X-rays
- 02An exercise programme to strengthen the muscles around the joint
- 03Medication and supplements suited to you
- 04Injections when helpful, and surgery when it becomes the best option
Recovery
Most patients notice improvement within weeks of regular exercise and weight loss. Losing even a few kilograms noticeably reduces the load on the knee.