Knee pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek advice from an orthopaedic surgeon.
It can develop gradually through wear and tear, or appear suddenly following an injury or twist. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment, and toward getting back to the activities you enjoy without pain.
Below, Mr David Stitson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth, explains six of the most common conditions that can lead to knee damage, what causes them, and the symptoms to look out for.
If the knee is locking, there is instability, accompanied by significant pain and reduced mobility, a total knee replacement may be recommended if conservative measures haven’t helped.
Six of the most common conditions that can lead to knee damage
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of long-term knee pain. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joint gradually wears away, leaving bone to rub against bone. This causes pain, stiffness and swelling that typically worsen with activity and age, particularly from the mid-40s onwards.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joint, causing chronic inflammation, swelling and, over time, damage to both cartilage and bone. It can affect people of any age and often involves several joints at once.
3. Meniscus Tears
Each knee has two C-shaped discs of cartilage, called menisci, which cushion and stabilise the joint. These can tear suddenly during a twisting movement or a sports injury, or gradually as part of normal wear and tear. A meniscus tear often causes pain, swelling, locking or a catching sensation when moving the knee.
4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
The ACL is one of the key ligaments that keeps the knee stable. A sudden twist, pivot or direct impact, (common in sports such as football, rugby and skiing) can tear it. This usually causes immediate swelling and a feeling of instability, and increases the risk of early arthritis if left untreated.
5. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Often called ‘runner’s knee’, this condition develops when the kneecap does not track smoothly over the thighbone, usually due to repetitive stress or muscle imbalance. It typically causes an ache around or behind the kneecap that becomes more noticeable with running, squatting or climbing stairs.
6. Bursitis
Small fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion the knee joint and reduce friction between moving parts. Repeated kneeling, overuse or minor trauma can cause these to become inflamed, leading to localised swelling, warmth and tenderness, a condition known as bursitis.
When Should You See a Knee Specialist?
Occasional knee stiffness after exercise is common and often nothing to worry about. However, you should consider seeing an orthopaedic specialist if you experience:
- Knee pain that persists for more than a few weeks or keeps returning
- Swelling, warmth or redness around the joint
- A feeling of instability, or the knee giving way
- Locking, catching or an inability to fully straighten the knee
- Pain that disturbs your sleep or limits everyday activities
Early diagnosis often means simpler, less invasive treatment. In many cases, physiotherapy, activity modification or targeted injections can resolve symptoms without the need for surgery, but the right diagnosis is essential to choosing the right treatment.
Solutions: What Can Be Done About a Damaged Knee?
Physiotherapy is often the first step, particularly for instability related to muscle weakness or patellar tracking issues. A tailored strengthening and proprioception programme can significantly improve symptoms.
Activity modification and bracing can help manage symptoms while a longer-term plan is developed, particularly for milder cartilage issues or early arthritis.
Arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery is commonly used to trim or repair a torn meniscus, remove loose bodies or address certain cartilage damage. Recovery from a knee arthroscopy is generally quicker than open surgery, with many patients returning to light activity within a few weeks.
Ligament reconstruction, such as ACL reconstruction, may be recommended if instability is significant, particularly for those wanting to return to sport or physically demanding work.
Realignment procedures can address recurrent patellar instability by correcting how the kneecap tracks.
Knee joint replacement may be considered for advanced osteoarthritis. If the knee is locking, there is instability, accompanied by significant pain and reduced mobility, a total knee replacement may be recommended if conservative measures haven’t helped. A partial knee replacement is an alternative to total knee replacement for some people with osteoarthritis and is limited to a single compartment of the knee.
Expert Knee Assessment in Plymouth
If you’re experiencing ongoing knee pain, Mr David Stitson at the Nuffield Health, Plymouth Hospital offers a thorough, expert private assessment and a full range of treatment options, from physiotherapy and injections through to knee replacement surgery, tailored to your diagnosis and lifestyle.
To discuss your symptoms and explore whether joint replacement surgery is the right option for you, contact Mr David Stitson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, at the Nuffield Hospital, Plymouth.
- Call: 01752 761818
- Visit: www.orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
- Email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
Take the Next Step…
If joint pain is stopping you from doing the things you love, book a consultation with Mr Stitson to discuss your options.
– Consult Your GP: If you are experiencing joint pain and are considering surgery, start by booking an appointment with your GP. They will be able to refer you to a specialist if needed.
– Understand Your Options: There are the key avenues you can explore to speed up your access to joint surgery contributing to a swifter recovery and getting you back on your feet sooner.
– Do Your Research: Familiarise yourself with different types of joint replacement procedures and what each one involves.
– Speak with Mr Stitson: Book a consultation with David Stitson, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon based in Plymouth, to discuss what might be the best approach for you personally. He will provide detailed information specific to your situation.
– A consultation helps you understand:
- What is causing your pain
- Whether joint surgery is appropriate
- Alternatives to surgery
- Expected recovery and outcomes
Surgery may sound daunting, but for many, it provides much-needed relief and the chance to regain mobility. This step can be pivotal in improving your quality of life, helping to reduce pain and stiffness in your hip or knee, dramatically.
By addressing the underlying issues, joint surgery can pave the way for a more active lifestyle, allowing you to return to the activities you love without the constant concern of hip or knee pain holding you back.
Taking action now may help you regain confidence, mobility and quality of life.
Get Private Orthopaedic Surgery in Plymouth in just 4-6 weeks
⇒ Consultation in 7 days or less
⇒ Consultation to surgery, 4-6 weeks
About Knee Surgery
Knee replacement surgery replaces the worn out, painful and stiff knee joint with a new prosthetic joint. This procedure which may be a partial or a total replacement is normally performed under spinal anaesthesia and is usually followed by a night or two in the hospital. Day-case knee replacement surgery may be an appropriate option for you.
About Mr Stitson
David Stitson is a Plymouth-based Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon. Trained both in the UK and internationally, he has worked in medicine for more than 20 years for the NHS, for the Royal Air Force and in private practice. Mr Stitson operates privately at the Nuffield Health Hospital, Plymouth.
Are you ready to Take the Next Steps to improve your mobility?
Living with constant joint pain is not something you have to accept as part of ageing. Many people in their late 60s and 70s find that a private joint replacement restores their mobility and transforms their quality of life.
📞 To discuss your symptoms and explore whether joint replacement surgery is the right option for you, contact Mr David Stitson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, at the Nuffield Hospital, Plymouth.
- Call: 01752 761818
- Visit: www.orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
- Email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
Take the first step towards a more comfortable, active life today.
The Nuffield Plymouth CQC Rating
The Nuffield Hospital has a history that spans over half a century and has built a reputation for high standards of care, professionalism and expertise in delivering health services. They aim for continuous quality improvement in everything they do.
Active Quality and Governance programmes are in place at the Nuffield Hospital Plymouth. As part of this, the hospital is inspected by independent healthcare regulators to ensure it meets the fundamental standards of quality and safety as determined by the regulating body (CQC).
In the most recent inspection, Plymouth Nuffield Hospital was rated as ‘Good’ overall, however, the surgical element of the inspection was rated as ‘Outstanding’. The hospital was referred to as:
“Outstanding in effective and caring, and
Good in safe, responsive and well-led.”
