Knee Arthritis Treatment in Doha

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a gradual loss of the cartilage that lines the knee joint, together with changes in the bone beneath it, the joint lining and the surrounding muscles. As the cartilage thins, the joint surfaces glide less smoothly, and the knee can become painful, stiff and swollen.

It can affect the inner side of the knee (the medial compartment), the outer side, the joint behind the kneecap, or the whole knee. Which areas are worn helps guide treatment.

Symptoms

• Pain with walking, stairs, kneeling or rising from a chair
• Stiffness in the morning or after sitting, usually easing within half an hour
• Swelling, especially after activity
• Grinding or crackling in the joint
• Gradual bowing of the leg or loss of full bending and straightening
• Pain at night in more advanced arthritis

Causes and risk factors

The risk of osteoarthritis rises with age, but it is not simply wear and tear. Contributing factors include:

• Excess body weight, which increases the load through the knee with every step
• Previous knee injuries, such as an ACL tear, a meniscus tear or meniscus removal
• Leg alignment, such as bow legs or knock knees
• Family history
• Weak thigh muscles

In Qatar, summer heat that limits outdoor exercise for several months, long hours of sitting and weight gain can all add to the load on the knees. Knee pain also makes it harder to stay active, a cycle that targeted exercise helps to break.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, examination and weight-bearing X-rays, which show joint space narrowing, bone spurs and leg alignment. An MRI is not usually needed to diagnose osteoarthritis, but it can help when symptoms do not match the X-rays or when a younger patient may be suitable for joint-preserving surgery.

Stepwise treatment

• Strengthening exercise and weight management
• Anti-inflammatory medication and injections
• Osteotomy to unload a worn compartment in younger, active patients
• Partial knee replacement when only one compartment is worn
• Total knee replacement for advanced arthritis

Most people start with non-surgical treatment, and many manage well with it for years. Physiotherapy, low-impact exercise such as cycling, swimming or walking in air-conditioned indoor spaces, and losing even a moderate amount of weight can reduce pain. Surgery is considered when pain and stiffness continue to limit daily life despite these measures. Arthroscopic washout is not recommended for osteoarthritis alone.

Outlook

Osteoarthritis tends to progress slowly, and symptoms often vary from month to month. Staying active and keeping the thigh muscles strong is one of the main ways to protect the knee. When replacement is needed, partial and total knee replacements relieve pain and improve walking in many patients, with a recovery period of several months.

When to see a knee specialist in Doha

• Knee pain is limiting your walking, sleep, prayer or work
• Pain and swelling persist despite exercise, weight management and simple painkillers
• The knee is becoming more bowed or stiff
• You have been told you need a knee replacement and want to understand all your options

Dr. Gelber sees patients with knee arthritis at Aman Hospital in Doha and explains each stage of treatment, from exercise to replacement. For patients who fast, the timing of injections or surgery can be planned around Ramadan.