I'm only in my forties and have knee arthritis. What are my options?

Why it happens earlier in some people

Early arthritis is often the late result of something that happened years before: an ACL tear that left the knee unstable, a meniscus that was torn or removed, a fracture into the joint, or a bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment that overloads one side. Excess weight and heavy physical work add to it. Identifying the reason guides treatment.

Non-surgical care comes first

Younger patients often respond well to a structured programme because their muscles strengthen quickly. Physiotherapy focusing on the quadriceps and hips, weight loss where relevant, switching high-impact sport for cycling, swimming or the gym, and occasional injections for flares can control symptoms for years. Staying active is part of the treatment, not a risk to it.

Joint-preserving surgery

• High tibial osteotomy realigns a bow-legged knee to shift load from the worn inner side to the healthier outer side
• Cartilage procedures may suit a small, well-defined defect in an otherwise healthy, well-aligned knee
• Meniscus root repair can help when a root tear is caught early
• Arthroscopic washout is not effective for typical arthritis and is usually avoided

Is replacement ever right at this age?

Sometimes. If arthritis is severe and simpler treatments have failed, a partial or total knee replacement can transform quality of life even in younger patients. The trade-off is that an active person in their forties is more likely to need a revision operation later in life. The decision depends on examination, X-rays and what you want to do with your knee.

Getting an assessment in Doha

At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber examines ligament stability and alignment, reviews standing and long-leg X-rays, and orders an MRI only when it would change the plan. You leave with a clear explanation of the options suited to your knee and your life.