Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of knee pain and disability, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. It can make simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair difficult. As a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in hip and knee surgery, Dr Adam Woodbridge offers comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment options for patients with knee arthritis, from conservative management through to joint replacement when needed.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears away. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, pain, stiffness, and reduced function. It most commonly affects the medial (inner) compartment of the knee but can involve the whole joint.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Ageing — Cartilage naturally thins over time.
• Previous injury — Such as meniscus tears, ACL ruptures, or fractures.
• Obesity — Extra weight increases stress on the knee joint.
• Alignment issues — Bow legs (varus) or knock knees (valgus).
• Repetitive stress — From certain occupations or sports.
• Genetics and other factors — Family history or inflammatory conditions.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Patients often experience:

• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting for long periods (“gelling”).
• Swelling or a feeling of warmth in the joint.
• Reduced range of motion and difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee.
• Grinding, clicking, or crepitus sensations.
• Instability or “giving way” in advanced cases.
• Pain at night or with weather changes.

If symptoms are affecting your daily life or quality of sleep, it’s worth seeking specialist advice.

Diagnosis

Dr Woodbridge performs a detailed history and physical examination, assessing gait, alignment, range of motion, and stability. X-rays are the mainstay of diagnosis (often showing joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and sclerosis). MRI may be used in selected cases to assess soft tissues or early changes.

Treatment Options

Treatment is always tailored to the individual — considering age, activity level, severity of arthritis, and personal goals.

Non-Surgical Management (first-line for most patients):

• Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, low-impact exercise (swimming, cycling).
• Physiotherapy: Strengthening, flexibility, and gait retraining.
• Medications: Simple analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or supplements where appropriate.
• Injections: Corticosteroid, viscosupplementation, or other targeted therapies.
• Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive option for longer-term pain relief in suitable patients.

Many patients achieve good symptom control for years with these measures.

Surgical Options:

When conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief and quality of life is significantly affected, surgery may be considered. Options include:

• Arthroscopic procedures (limited role in established OA).
• Osteotomy (realignment surgery) in younger patients with localised arthritis.
• Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement.
• Total knee replacement — highly successful for advanced arthritis.

Dr Woodbridge has advanced fellowship training in knee replacement and revision surgery. He uses modern techniques and implants with excellent long-term outcomes, always aiming for rapid recovery and return to function. His background as a qualified physiotherapist helps him optimise both surgical planning and post-operative rehabilitation.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Successful outcomes depend on good rehabilitation. Post-surgery, patients usually work closely with physiotherapists to regain strength, range of motion, and confidence. Most people walk the same day or next day after knee replacement and return to daily activities within weeks to months.

When to Seek Help

Don’t wait until pain becomes unbearable. Early intervention can slow progression and keep you active longer. If knee pain is limiting your lifestyle, Dr Woodbridge can provide clear options suited to your situation.

Book a Consultation with Dr Adam Woodbridge

Dr Adam Woodbridge consults at convenient locations across Sydney including Chatswood, Norwest/Bella Vista, Balmain & Macquarie, also Taree and Forster in the mid north coast. He is committed to evidence-based, patient-centred care focused on hip and knee conditions to help you regain mobility and enjoy life again.

Contact our team today on (02) 8785 5422 or visit adamwoodbridge.com.au to book an appointment.