骨科 · 6 min read
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Editorial note: This article was prepared for this website from the sources listed below. Unless a named clinical reviewer is shown, it has not been attributed to or clinically reviewed by an individual KPMC clinician.
What osteoarthritis means
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which cartilage and other joint tissues change over time. In the knee it can cause pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced movement. Symptoms may vary from day to day, and an X-ray result does not always match how much pain a person feels.
Movement remains important
Regular, appropriate exercise can improve strength, function and confidence. Start gradually with activities you can tolerate, such as walking on level ground, cycling or water-based exercise. A physiotherapist can adapt strengthening and mobility work to your ability.
If body weight is contributing to symptoms, sustainable weight management may reduce strain on the knee. Medicines and injections are not suitable for everyone, so discuss benefits, risks and other conditions with a clinician.
Planning an assessment
Note when pain occurs, how long stiffness lasts, whether the knee locks or gives way, and how symptoms affect sleep or daily tasks. This helps a clinician distinguish osteoarthritis from injury, inflammatory disease and other causes.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Keep active with tolerable, progressive exercise rather than prolonged rest.
- Use pacing: alternate demanding tasks with recovery and increase activity gradually.
- Ask for an individual assessment before starting medicines, injections or supplements.
When to seek care
- Arrange an assessment if pain persists, repeatedly limits activity, or the knee gives way.
- Seek urgent care for a hot, very swollen joint, fever with joint pain, inability to bear weight after injury, or a visibly deformed knee.
General information only. This article does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek urgent medical care. In Malaysia, call 999 for an emergency or go to the nearest emergency department.
Source notes
Article sources
- World Health Organization: Osteoarthritis
- NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in over 16s - diagnosis and management
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