top of page

Knee osteoarthritis:
symptoms, what it means, and practical next steps

Knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is common as we get older, but “wear and tear” isn’t the full story and it doesn’t automatically mean you’re heading for a knee replacement. OA describes age-related changes in the joint that can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced confidence with walking, stairs, or exercise.

 

This page explains what knee OA usually looks like, what current guidelines say about imaging and treatment, and how exercise, education, and sensible load management can help.

 

It’s written for adults 45–70 in Camberwell and Melbourne’s inner east who want clear, realistic information and a plan that fits real life.

Untitled design-2.png

What you’ll learn on this page

  • Typical knee OA symptoms and how they tend to behave over time

  • Why movement and exercise are core treatments, not last resorts

  • When X-rays, injections, or surgery are usually discussed and when they’re not

Typical symptoms & patterns

Knee OA can vary a lot from person to person, but common features include: 

  • Aching or stiffness in the knee, often around the joint line or behind the kneecap

  • Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting, usually easing within 30 minutes once you start moving

  • Pain or difficulty with stairs, hills, getting out of chairs, or squatting

  • Symptoms that flare with higher loads (long walks, heavy gardening, big days on your feet) and ease with sensible rest

  • Occasional swelling, grinding, or creaking – which can sound dramatic but doesn’t always equal severe damage

  • Good days and bad days, rather than a smooth, linear decline

 

You can have OA changes on X-ray without much pain, and you can have quite a bit of pain even if the scan doesn’t look too bad. Symptoms and function matter more than pictures.

Why it happens

Osteoarthritis is a whole-joint condition, not just “worn cartilage”. Over time, the cartilage, bone, joint lining, ligaments, and surrounding muscles can all change. Factors that may contribute include: 

  • Ageing and natural joint changes

  • Previous injuries (e.g. meniscus tears, ligament injuries, fractures)

  • Genetics and biology – some people’s joints are simply more prone

  • Higher body weight, which increases mechanical load and inflammatory drive

  • Long periods of low activity, which can reduce muscle strength and joint tolerance

 

Importantly, the joint is adaptable. Well-structured activity and strengthening help the joint tissues and surrounding muscles cope better with load, which is one reason exercise is considered a core treatment – not a last resort.

When to see someone – and when to scan

​When to see a physio

It’s sensible to seek help if:

  • Knee pain or stiffness has persisted for several weeks or months

  • You’re struggling with stairs, walking, or daily tasks

  • You’re cutting back on activity you value because of knee symptoms

  • You’re unsure which exercises are safe, or worried about “doing damage”

A physio assessment can clarify what’s driving your symptoms, rule out red flags, and build a plan around your goals.

 

When scans may be considered

Current guidelines are clear:

  • Imaging is not always needed to diagnose knee OA. A good history and physical exam are often enough.

  • X-rays can be helpful if the picture is unclear, symptoms are atypical, or decisions around injections or surgery are on the table.

  • MRI is rarely required for straightforward OA and is often over-used.

 

In short: scans can be useful in the right context, but they’re not the starting point for most people.

How we assess & plan at The Hip and Knee Physio (Camberwell)

In an initial knee OA consultation, we typically:

  • Listen to your story – where and when the knee hurts, what you’re avoiding, and what matters most to you (walking, stairs, travel, grandkids, sport)

  • Check movement and function – walking, sit-to-stand, stairs, balance, and knee range of motion

  • Assess strength and control in the hips, knees, and ankles

  • Screen for red flags or other causes of knee pain, and review any existing imaging

 

From there, you’ll leave with:

  • An explanation of what’s likely going on

  • A prioritised exercise plan, not an overwhelming list – usually 2–4 key exercises to start

  • Clear guidance on activity (what to keep, what to tweak, what to park for now)

  • A sense of what progress might look like, acknowledging that everyone’s timeline is different

 

Where needed, we’ll also collaborate with your GP or specialist about medicines, imaging, or surgical options.

 

For more on general knee care, you can explore the Knee Physiotherapy service page and our knee osteoarthritis myth-busting blog, then come back to this page when you’re ready to book.

FAQs – Knee OsteoArthritis

1. Do I need an X-ray first?

Not always. Many people with suspected knee OA can be diagnosed based on history and physical examination alone, and guidelines don’t recommend routine imaging for every sore knee.

 

An X-ray is more likely to be helpful if your symptoms are atypical, severe, or if decisions about injections or surgery are being made.

 

2. Can exercise make knee osteoarthritis worse?

Done well, exercise is considered a core treatment for knee OA, not a cause of worsening. It’s normal for pain to increase slightly when you first start moving more, but over time, well-dosed exercise is linked to better pain, strength, and function, not faster deterioration.

 

The key is matching the type and amount of exercise to your current tolerance, which is where a physio can help.

 

3. Do I have to stop walking or running?

In most cases, no. For many people with knee OA, staying active is beneficial, and recreational running in particular has not been shown to increase OA risk in otherwise healthy knees.

 

You might need to adjust distance, speed, terrain, or rest days, but the goal is usually to keep you doing the things you enjoy, not to pull you out of them indefinitely.

Local practicals – Camberwell clinic

​The Hip and Knee Physio consults from 1/3 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell, a short walk from Camberwell Junction and public transport. The building offers good access and facilities, including accessible entry and amenities, and there is parking available nearby.

Book Now

If your knee pain is starting to limit your walking, stairs, or confidence, a structured assessment can help you understand what’s going on and what to do next.

​

  • Book a Knee Arthritis consult in Camberwell – Book Now Hip and Knee Physio

  • Prefer to talk first? You can contact the clinic to discuss whether an appointment is appropriate for your situation

bottom of page