Knee osteoarthritis: treatment before surgery

Understanding the problem

Cartilage changes can make a joint painful, but symptoms vary considerably. Some people have intermittent discomfort; others struggle with routine activities. Assessment looks at the pattern of pain and stiffness and checks whether another condition might explain it. A scan finding should be discussed alongside what you actually experience.

Care and next steps

Exercise, weight management where appropriate, walking support and suitable pain relief can help. A clinician or physiotherapist can adapt activity to your abilities. Surgery becomes a discussion when symptoms and limitations remain substantial despite appropriate care. Avoid comparing your treatment to a neighbour’s without considering the differences between your situations.

Prepare for your consultation

Make a one-week record of walking, stairs, sleep and activities you avoid. Write down what you have tried, for how long, and what changed. Bring this to your Delhi consultation. Ask for two or three achievable goals and a review date, rather than an indefinite instruction to carry on. Tell the clinician about medication side effects and any difficulty following the plan.

Measure improvement before changing treatment

Choose a goal you can repeat: the same short walk, a flight of stairs or getting out of your usual chair. Record pain, support needed and next-day symptoms. A treatment that changes the X-ray report is not the same as one that improves your everyday function.

Questions for your next review

Use these questions to make the consultation specific to your situation.

• Which part of the plan should I continue, and what would count as an adequate trial?
• Could hip or back symptoms be contributing to my knee pain?
• If pain relief causes side effects, who should I contact and what can be adjusted?

Common questions