How do I cope with stairs, driving and work when I have knee arthritis?

Stairs and getting up from a chair

Going up, step first with the better leg; coming down, lead with the sorer leg, and always use the rail. Taking stairs one at a time is fine. Low sofas and floor seating put the most strain on the knee, so a firm chair with arms and a seat at knee height or slightly higher helps. A raised toilet seat can make a real difference for some people.

Driving and long commutes

Sitting still for a long time stiffens an arthritic knee, which is why the first steps after a drive often hurt. Set the seat so your knee is slightly bent, not cramped, and on longer trips stop to walk for a few minutes. In traffic, gently bending and straightening the knee helps. If the right knee is painful enough that you cannot brake quickly and firmly, you should not drive until it is assessed.

Desk jobs

• Stand up and walk briefly every 30 to 45 minutes
• Avoid sitting with the knee sharply bent under the chair
• Use a footrest if your feet do not rest flat on the floor
• Do a few seated knee straightening exercises during the day

Physical and site work

Jobs with heavy lifting, climbing ladders, squatting or kneeling, common in construction, maintenance and industrial work in Qatar, load the knee heavily. Knee pads, using a stool rather than kneeling, sharing heavy lifts and planning tasks to limit stairs all reduce strain. Some workers need temporary changes to duties during a flare, and a medical report from your surgeon can support that conversation with your employer.

When to seek help in Doha

If arthritis is stopping you from working, driving safely or managing stairs at home, it is time for an assessment. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber can examine the knee, arrange physiotherapy focused on your job and daily tasks, and discuss further treatment if simple measures are no longer enough.