Knee Osteoarthritis

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee Osteoarthritis, often referred to as "Degenerative Arthritis," is a process of joint "wear and tear."

When cartilage wears down to a certain extent, friction occurs between bones. This leads to inflammation, pain, swelling, and even the formation of bone spurs, resulting in knee osteoarthritis.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis typically develop slowly and worsen over time:

Pain: This is the primary symptom. Pain usually intensifies during walking (especially going up and down stairs or walking on slopes), squatting, kneeling, or after standing for a long time.
Stiffness in the morning or after sitting: The knee joint feels stiff upon waking up or after sitting still for a long period, but improves slightly after some movement.
Creaking Sound (Crepitus): Hearing or feeling a "clicking" or grinding friction sound when moving the knee.
Swelling: The knee may become swollen and warm to the touch during acute inflammation phases.
Deformity: The knee joint may become deformed.
Limited Range of Motion: It becomes increasingly difficult to fully straighten or bend the knee.
Weakness: A sensation of the knee being weak or "giving way."

Who is at Risk?

Age: Risk increases significantly for those over 50.
Overweight: Excess weight increases pressure on the knees, accelerating degeneration.
Gender: It is more common in females than males.
Past Injury: Previous knee injuries (such as ACL tears, meniscus damage, or fractures).
Occupational Factors: Jobs requiring long-term repetitive squatting, kneeling, heavy lifting, or climbing stairs.
Lack of Exercise: Weak thigh muscles reduce knee stability, leading to an increased burden on the knee joint.

Physiotherapy Treatment

After a detailed assessment, our physiotherapists will determine the most suitable professional treatment plan for you, which may include:

Modalities: Ultrasound, Shockwave Therapy, Electromagnetic Therapy, etc.
Manual Therapy / Acupuncture
Therapeutic Exercise: Such as muscle strengthening, balance, stretching, and flexibility training.
Education & Bracing Advice

Home Care & Prevention

Weight Control: Losing weight is the most effective way to protect your knees.
Stay Active: "Inactivity" actually makes joints stiffer and muscles weaker.
Choose Knee-Friendly Exercises: e.g., swimming; avoid deep squats or vigorous jumping.
Use of Cold & Heat: Use cold packs during acute swelling/heat; use heat packs for chronic soreness and stiffness to promote circulation.
Avoid Prolonged Squatting/Kneeling.
Wear Appropriate Footwear with Good Shock Absorption.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Knee pain has begun to affect your daily activities (e.g., grocery shopping, walking, going up and down stairs).
The knee shows obvious swelling, heat, or redness.
Knee stiffness is getting worse.
Range of motion is significantly decreasing.
The knee feels unstable or weak.

Enquiry or Appointment

If you would like to book an assessment, please contact us via phone or WhatsApp.

Phone: 6706 1944
Address: Shop UG13, Upper Ground Floor, Ka Wai Plaza, 24 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon