Knee Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease of the knee is typically the result of wear and tear with progressive loss of articular cartilage over time. It is a progressive inflammatory disease which eventually leads to disability. It is most common in older people but can present in younger people especially if they have suffered previous damage to the joint. The intensity of the clinical symptoms and rate of progression will vary however, they typically become more severe, more frequent, and more debilitating over time. Common clinical symptoms include: knee pain which is gradual in onset and worse with activity; knee stiffness with swelling; pain after prolonged sitting or resting and heat with aching in the joint worsening over time.

Ultimately, the best defence against the progression of knee OA, is adopting a healthier lifestyle by increasing your mobility (according to advice from your Physio), modifying your diet (consider increasing Omega 3 foods and taking Turmeric), managing your stress and improving your sleep. Strengthening your knees will help but the inflammation has to be mitigated and the best way to help the inflammation is to look at lifestyle factors.