Knee Arthritis
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is Knee Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition characterised by damage / degeneration of the articular surfaces of the knee.
How Does Knee Arthritis Develop? What Are the Causes?
The causes of arthritis include the following:
Degenerative arthritis, natural wear and tear over time due to ageing. It is the most common form of arthritis.
Post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, fracture, or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament / meniscus.
Inflammatory arthritis that occurs in patients with rheumatological diseases.
Post-infectious arthritis, as a result of a knee infection.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Severe pain throughout the knee, especially towards the end of the day
Night pain that wakes the patient
Knee swelling (oedema)
Pain when going up or down stairs
Difficulty while walking
Limited knee movement
A grinding sensation during movement
Diagnosis
A patient with knee arthritis requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. The doctor will take a medical history and examine the knee. A standing X-ray of the knee will be required to assess the degree of degeneration of the articular surfaces. In some cases, an MRI scan of the knee may also be required.
Conservative Treatment and Management for Knee Arthritis – Are Exercises Needed?
Treatment in the early stages is conservative and includes:
Rest, activity modification, weight loss, and exercise
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Walking is encouraged within pain limits.
Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme. Exercises mainly focus on strengthening the quadriceps.
Cortisone injection, hyaluronic acid or autologous healing factors (PRP)
Surgical Treatment with Arthroscopy
If conservative treatment fails, knee arthroscopy is a treatment option for selected patients – mainly those with milder forms of arthritis.
Knee arthroscopy involves 2 incisions, each 4 millimetres in length. Through these incisions, a camera with cold light and the necessary instruments are inserted into the knee. During surgery, adhesions are released, loose cartilage fragments are removed, and degenerated articular surfaces are smoothed.
At the same time, any other existing knee conditions are treated (such as a meniscus tear).
Surgical Treatme
How Successful Is Knee Arthroplasty?
Knee arthroplasty is a demanding surgical procedure and requires a specialised surgeon with a high volume of cases. In experienced hands, it provides excellent results both in eliminating pain and in restoring the patient’s function. It is a minimally invasive, bloodless, and safe technique with extremely low complication rates.
Pain relief is immediate, and knee movement is restored to a great extent. Patients follow rapid recovery protocols (fast track surgery) and are discharged from the hospital the day after surgery.
Return to daily activities is gradual. Within a few days after knee arthroplasty, the patient can independently perform the basic movements required for everyday activities.
What Is the Cost of Surgery? How Much Does It Cost?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you have knee arthritis, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous professional experience abroad and specialises in knee conditions.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.