- SPECIALIST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON | MELBOURNE, VIC | ALBURY, NSW | MORNINGTON, VIC |
- 03 9421 6133
- Melbourne & Mornington VIC |
- Albury, NSW
Knee Osteoarthritis
Understanding the wear-and-tear changes that can affect your knee joint over time
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs when the smooth, protective cartilage lining the surfaces of the knee joint gradually wears down. As this cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the joint may begin to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair.
While knee osteoarthritis is more common in people over the age of 50, it can also affect younger individuals, particularly those with a history of knee injury, repetitive joint stress, or underlying joint abnormalities. The condition often develops slowly over time and may progressively limit your ability to move comfortably or stay active. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, a combination of non-surgical and surgical treatments may help relieve symptoms, improve mobility, and support long-term knee function.
This page explains what knee osteoarthritis is, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatment options that may be available to help manage your condition.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the cartilage covering the ends of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and underside of the patella (kneecap) becomes worn. This cartilage helps cushion the joint and allows smooth, pain-free movement. As it wears away, the joint space narrows, inflammation increases, and bone-on-bone contact may occur, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint damage over time.
Knee osteoarthritis can affect one or both knees and may involve different parts of the joint, including the medial (inner), lateral (outer), and patellofemoral (kneecap) compartments.
Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time. They often include:
- Pain in the hip joint, groin, buttock, or thigh
- Stiffness, especially after periods of rest or first thing in the morning
- Swelling or inflammation around the knee joint
- Creaking or grinding sensations (crepitus)
- Reduced ability to fully bend or straighten the knee
- Instability or the feeling that the knee might give way
- Difficulty with everyday activities such as putting on shoes or getting in and out of a car
As the condition progresses, symptoms may become more persistent and interfere with work, recreation, or daily life.
Around 2.1 million Australians (1 in 11 people) have osteoarthritis, with a 58% increase expected by 2032 due to population ageing and rising obesity rates
What causes knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis may develop for a number of reasons, often as a result of gradual wear and tear. Contributing factors may include:
- Ageing and natural cartilage degeneration
- Prior knee injuries such as meniscal tears or ligament damage
- Repetitive strain or high-impact activity
- Being overweight or obese (increases joint loading)
- Genetic predisposition or family history of arthritis
- Biomechanical issues such as malalignment or joint instability
Dr Hockings will assess the likely contributing factors in your case as part of a personalised treatment plan.
How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical assessment, including a review of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Dr Jason Hockings will assess your knee’s range of motion, stability, swelling, and areas of tenderness.
Imaging tests may include:
- X-rays to check for joint space narrowing, bone spurs (osteophytes), and other arthritic changes
- MRI scans in select cases to evaluate cartilage, menisci, or other soft tissue structures
This information helps determine the severity of your condition and identify the most suitable treatment approach.
Non-surgical treatment options for knee arthritis
In the early stages of knee osteoarthritis, symptoms may be managed effectively with non-surgical strategies. These may include:
Physiotherapy
To strengthen surrounding muscles and maintain joint mobility.
Low-impact exercise and activity modification
To avoid aggravating joint stress.
Pain relief medications
Such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), if suitable.
Weight management
Where appropriate, to reduce pressure on the knee joint.
Walking aids
Such as a cane, to improve stability and reduce discomfort.
Joint injections
Including corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) injections, which may help reduce inflammation or lubricate the joint.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
A procedure that may help relieve chronic knee pain by targeting the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the joint. RFA may be considered for patients who continue to experience significant discomfort despite other non-surgical treatments and are not yet ready for joint replacement surgery.
Dr Hockings will assess your symptoms, imaging, and overall health to recommend the most suitable combination of therapies. These approaches aim to relieve pain, maintain function, and potentially delay the need for surgery.
When might surgery be considered?
Surgical treatment may be recommended if knee osteoarthritis significantly affects your quality of life and no longer responds to non-surgical treatments.
Common signs that surgery may be appropriate include:
- Severe or constant knee pain that limits your activities
- Reduced mobility or knee function despite physiotherapy
- Difficulty walking, sleeping, or participating in daily routines
- Unsuccessful response to joint injections or medications
The decision to proceed with surgery is based on your symptoms, lifestyle goals, and overall health.
For patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis that no longer responds to non-surgical care, knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) may offer effective and lasting relief. The procedure involves replacing worn-out joint surfaces with prosthetic components to reduce pain and restore mobility. Dr Hockings performs both partial and total knee replacement procedures, tailoring the surgical approach to each patient’s specific condition.
In cases where arthritis affects only one part of the knee (usually the inner or medial compartment), a partial knee replacement may be considered. This minimally invasive procedure preserves the healthy parts of the knee and replaces only the damaged compartment, often resulting in a faster recovery, more natural movement, and less disruption to surrounding tissues. Not all patients are suitable candidates for this approach, and Dr Hockings will assess whether it’s right for you based on your imaging, symptoms, and joint function.
When arthritis affects multiple areas of the knee or is more advanced, a total knee replacement may be recommended. This involves resurfacing the ends of the femur and tibia (thigh and shin bones) and, if needed, the underside of the kneecap with prosthetic implants designed to restore smooth joint function.
Dr Hockings uses several advanced techniques and technologies to optimise outcomes, including:
- Kinematic alignment total knee replacement, which aims to replicate your knee’s natural movement and anatomy
- Medial pivot (Sphere) implants, designed to provide enhanced knee stability and a more natural feel
- Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) for highly accurate implant positioning using 3D preoperative planning
- Subvastus or minimally invasive approaches, which avoid cutting through muscle and may support faster early recovery
- Augmented reality-assisted surgery (NextAR)Uses real-time digital guidance to support accurate implant positioning based on your personalised surgical plan
- Robotic-assisted techniques (when appropriate)Provides real-time guidance and controlled bone preparation to support accurate, personalised implant positioning
The best surgical option will depend on your unique anatomy, level of joint damage, activity goals, and overall health. Dr Hockings will guide you through your choices and provide personalised advice to support your decision-making process.
If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, stiffness, or reduced movement that is affecting your daily activities or quality of life, a thorough orthopaedic assessment can help determine the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment options for your situation.