What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of persistent joint pain and stiffness and a condition we treat daily at South Coast Rx Physiotherapy.
Often misunderstood as simply “wear and tear,” knee OA is actually a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage, joint structure, and surrounding soft tissues. It can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility – but it is also highly treatable with the right approach.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain when walking, squatting, or going up/down stairs
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Swelling in or around the knee joint
- Joint instability or weakness
- Clicking, grinding, or a feeling of tightness
What Causes Knee OA – And What Does the Research Say?
According to current NICE guidelines and leading research, knee osteoarthritis is influenced by a mix of lifestyle, biomechanical, and genetic factors. Common contributors include:
- Previous joint injuries (such as ACL or meniscus damage)
- Excess body weight placing strain on the knees
- Muscle weakness or imbalances
- A sedentary lifestyle or lack of joint-loading activity
- Natural ageing and inflammatory changes
Crucially, recent research emphasises exercise therapy, patient education, and lifestyle changes as the most effective treatments. Surgery and injections are considered secondary options for more advanced or complex cases.
Pain Relief for Knee OA: What Actually Works?
At South Coast Rx Physiotherapy, we use a multi-modal approach to reduce pain and improve function in clients with knee OA. These include:
- Targeted strength training for the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves
- Low-impact cardio such as cycling, walking, or swimming to promote joint movement
- Heat and ice therapy for symptom management
- Supportive taping or braces during flare-ups
- Analgesia guidance with referral to GPs where appropriate
- Behavioural coaching to help overcome fear of movement and promote activity confidence
Education is also central – helping clients understand that pain does not always equal damage.
When to See a Specialist
If you experience any of the following, it’s worth consulting a physiotherapist or knee specialist:
- Your knee pain is worsening despite exercise or activity
- The joint locks, gives way, or feels unstable
- You experience swelling that persists or worsens
- Night pain interferes with sleep
- There are signs of infection (e.g. warmth, redness, or fever)
South Coast Rx Physiotherapy can facilitate direct referrals to:
- Consultant orthopaedic surgeons
- Private doctors for medical pain management
- Clinical specialist physiotherapists for complex cases and advanced clinical management advice or onward referrals.
How South Coast Rx Physiotherapy Can Help
Our physiotherapists use the SCRx Methodology, combining evidence-based assessment with goal-led rehab tailored to your needs.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive movement and strength assessments
- Custom rehabilitation programmes
- Progressive exercise loading strategies
- Education to build self-management skills
- Seamless onward referral when indicated
Whether your goal is to walk the dog, climb stairs pain-free, or return to sport, we can help you build confidence and reduce symptoms through structured physiotherapy.
Common Myths About Knee Osteoarthritis (And What the Truth Actually Is)
Myth 1: “It’s just wear and tear – there’s nothing you can do.”
Truth: OA is not inevitable, and movement is medicine. Exercise can reduce pain and delay progression.
Myth 2: “I should avoid using my knee to stop it from getting worse.”
Truth: Rest can actually make symptoms worse. Strategic, guided exercise is the best way to manage OA.
Myth 3: “I need a scan to confirm my OA before starting treatment.”
Truth: A clinical physiotherapy assessment is often more useful than imaging, which doesn’t always match up with pain.
Myth 4: “Once you have OA, surgery is your only option.”
Truth: Most people with knee OA improve significantly through conservative management alone.
Bonus: Watch Our Knee OA Exercise Video
Want to get started with safe, effective knee arthritis exercises you can do at home?
Check out our latest video:
“ Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis”
Our expert physiotherapists demonstrate simple movements you can begin today to improve strength, mobility, and confidence in your knees.
This video is ideal for anyone looking to manage OA related knee pain.
Additional Support Through Action Arthritis
South Coast Rx Physiotherapy is a registered provider with Action Arthritis – a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals living with osteoarthritis and other joint conditions.
If you have a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis, you may be eligible to register with Action Arthritis and access discounted physiotherapy appointments at South Coast Rx.
The charity offers a wealth of free information and practical resources on living well with OA, managing joint pain, and understanding treatment options. Their website includes:
- Advice on exercise and lifestyle
- Symptom trackers and planning tools
- Patient stories and expert blogs
- Access to trusted healthcare providers
We’re proud to work with Action Arthritis to make evidence-based care for knee OA more accessible to those who need it most.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
If you’re searching for a trusted provider of physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis, or want to avoid surgery and reduce knee pain naturally, South Coast Rx Physiotherapy is here to help.
Book a full assessment with one of our expert physiotherapists today and take control of your knee health.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Osteoarthritis: care and management. NICE Clinical Guideline [CG177]. London: NICE; 2014. [Updated in 2022].
Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg177
- Hunter, D. J., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. (2019). Osteoarthritis. The Lancet, 393(10182), 1745–1759.
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30417-9
- Bennell, K. L., et al. (2015). Physical therapies for knee and hip osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 11(10), 597–607.
DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2015.112
- Fransen, M., McConnell, S., Harmer, A. R., Van der Esch, M., Simic, M., & Bennell, K. L. (2015). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: a Cochrane systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(24), 1554–1557.
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095424
- OARSI Guidelines for the Non-Surgical Management of Knee Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Research Society International. (2019).
Available at: https://oarsi.org/guidelines
- Action Arthritis. Living with Osteoarthritis: Resources and Support.
Available at: https://actionarthritis.org
