What You Need to Know if Your Knees Are Sore, Worried About Arthritis, Or Think You Need a Knee Replacement

Do you find yourself needing to “limber up” in the morning when first getting out of bed? Perhaps you are holding on to the rails as you climb up stairs? Or maybe you have even noticed you can no longer stand up from a chair without the help of your arms? 

Being diagnosed with osteoarthritis is common but can be scary! Googling it can be even scarier when all you read is about how it can stop you doing what you love, and how it’s all a downhill slope leading to progressively reduced mobility and more pain. What if I told you it doesn’t have to stop you from doing what you love? All it takes is a little bit of patience, planning and effort from you and us to support you moving and feeling great. 

What is Osteoarthritis?

Too often are terms like “wear and tear” and “bone on bone” thrown around without a real understanding of the impact these words can have on our mentality! A much easier way to think of it is as a reduction of cartilage in the knee joint over time. 

Osteoarthritis is a normal part of the aging process that affects joints in the body. Knees are commonly affected as they are a large, weight bearing joints. They act as a shock absorber. Knees should work symmetrically but because of our posture, habits, beliefs, old injuries, and the way we have compensated, we load them in a way they weren’t designed for. That is why it is common for only one to be the problem. 

Osteoarthritis affects over one third of over 45’s in the UK, so it is likely either you or someone you know may be affected. Does this mean you have to stop doing everything you love and only engage in sedentary light activities from now on? ABSOLUTELY NOT! 

What are some of the symptoms I could experience?

Often people come into the clinic complaining of red, swollen, and hot joints – this is one of the easiest symptoms to spot as there is physical evidence of inflammation. I find that the most common symptom that prompts people to seek help is reduction in exercise tolerance due to pain, or stiffness and finding it takes longer and longer in the morning to get ready. Does that sound like you? Fear not!

What are my options if I suffer Osteoarthritis?

Physiotherapy is the best thing to engage with if you have arthritic knees (or any other arthritic joints!). Going to your GP will likely mean you leave with some medication but who wants to be reliant on medication alone to get moving? 

We can provide with a bespoke, tailored physiotherapy program and treatment to ensure you are;

1. Loading through your foot in the best way possible to reduce further issues in the knee (and hip...and spine). This is particularly important to ensure all our muscles work together, each playing their parts, like an orchestra.
2. Tailor your program to your lifestyle and needs
3. Provide you with some pain relief and comfort to enable you to hit those goal

As someone who has damaged my knee quite badly aged 16 and told I will likely have osteoarthritis in my knee by 50, I understand just how important the right kind of exercise and movement doing can be to keep my joints (and your joints) strong and stable. I have been there myself, I have suffered with my knee, and felt how debilitating it can be to everyday life, so I am right there with you! 

There are also some studies that show supplements such as glucosamine can reduce symptoms of stiffness, and chondroitin relieved pain and improved physical function in comparison to placebo groups. 

Weight loss for those who are overweight can help reduce the load on your joints, but this can be difficult to think about when even getting out of bed is a difficulty. This is often the main advice patients get from GPs and whilst it is important, it is difficult to implement when moving is just so painful. 

You may have been told you are already at the point where you need a new knee or are already booked in for a total knee replacement. What then? 

Should I still attend physiotherapy if I need a new knee? 

YES! Your outcomes for success after surgery skyrocket when you partake in “pre-hab”. This allows you to really push how much strength you can build in your knees and the surrounding muscles before you go into for your surgery, allowing for a quicker recovery, return to goals and improved fitness post-surgery. Often your movement pre-surgery can be indicative of the movement you will have post-operatively too, so why not set yourself up for the best possible outcome?

Can I still exercise if I have a knee replacement?

Yes! And you totally should. The best way to make use of your new knee is to use it! In clinic we see plenty of patient walking, swimming, doing Pilates, gardening and even going back to sports after a new knee. 

After all, we all deserve thoughtless, fearless movement. Why wait any longer? 

Your Next Step If You Want To Banish Knee Pain & Get Your Freedom Back 

All is not lost if you are experiencing knee pain. There is so much that can be done with a little effort and guidance from a great Physio. 

To help you figure out what is going on and your options we offer a FREE Taster Visit, so that you can be confident in taking the next step to sorting your knee pain. No doctor’s referral is needed for this visit. We will gladly take the time to understand your problems, struggles and worries. We then discuss your options for a solution. You can even do this session online.

To request a FREE Taster, Visit or Call, ring us right now on 01548 852 355 or email [email protected] and request a FREE Taster Visit / Call with one of our therapists