Conditions that affect the knee can cause pain, instability, and loss of function through stiffness or swelling. Patients should seek help when symptoms interfere with everyday activities. It's important to note that everyone is different, and different activity levels will be more or less bearable from person to person. Your consultant will discuss your lifestyle with you, and you'll come to a decision based on your activity goals.
There are many conditions that can affect the knee, ranging from sports injuries to arthritis which can affect people of all ages.
Our consultant knee surgeons regularly see patients experiencing the following conditions:
Knee arthritis - Knee arthritis is a common condition, and although it can affect people of all ages, it becomes more likely as we age. Patients who used to play a lot of sport or do a job that puts pressure on the knees may develop arthritis. There are many different forms of arthritis that patients may experience:
- Osteoarthritis - the most common form of arthritis in the knee simply represents wear and tear and ageing
- Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- Post-traumatic arthritis develops after an injury
Common signs of arthritis include:
- Knee pain and stiffness
- Pain at night that can disturb sleep
- A loss of function in the knee
- An inability to bend down or walk easily
It is important to see a specialist if you are experiencing any symptoms related to arthritis, as early treatment can be most effective.
Knee meniscus (cartilage) tear - This is one of the most common knee injuries. It can happen when you are forced to twist or rotate your knee, for example, during sport. Common symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness and an inability to extend fully.
Ligament injury - In the form of ligament injury, sports injuries are common causes of knee injuries in all age groups , often coming from field sports such as skiing, athletics, and netball.
Tendinopathy - Patients that develop pain in the knee from tendonitis (the tendons in the knee becoming inflamed).
When experiencing pain in and around the knee, seeing a specialist as soon as possible is a good idea so that you and your consultant can best assess and plan for any future treatment that you might need. Consultants will always opt for the most conservative therapy before resorting to procedures such as a knee replacement. So you can rest assured your consultant will work with you to treat your pain and discomfort in the most conservative way possible.