My legs seem more bowed and the inside of my knee hurts. Is that arthritis?

Why the legs change shape

In a bow-legged knee, more weight passes through the inner half of the joint. Over time the cartilage and meniscus there wear faster. As they thin, the gap on the inner side narrows and the leg bows further, which shifts even more weight inward. That cycle explains why inner-knee arthritis can slowly progress and why the leg alignment matters for treatment.

An old meniscus tear or meniscus removal, previous injuries, extra weight and family tendency all make it more likely.

Typical signs

• Aching on the inner side with walking, standing and stairs, easing with rest
• Stiffness in the morning or after sitting, lasting less than half an hour
• Swelling after a busy day
• Grinding, and less ability to fully straighten or bend
• A gap between the knees when standing with the feet together that has widened

Treatment, step by step

First-line care is the same for almost everyone: a structured strengthening programme for the thigh and hip muscles, regular low-impact activity such as walking, cycling and swimming, and weight loss where relevant. Simple pain relief and anti-inflammatory gels help some people when safe. An unloader brace can shift load away from the inner side in selected patients.

Injections may help flare-ups. When pain persists despite good non-surgical care, the surgical options depend on age, activity and how much of the joint is affected. In younger, active patients with arthritis limited to the inner side, a high tibial osteotomy realigns the leg to shift weight outward. A partial knee replacement resurfaces only the inner compartment. A total knee replacement is considered when the wear is more widespread.

When to see a knee surgeon in Doha

Book an assessment if inner knee pain limits walking, sleep or work despite several months of exercise, or if you notice the leg bowing more. Sudden severe pain, a hot swollen knee or inability to bear weight should be seen promptly.

At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber examines the knee and alignment and reviews standing X-rays, including a full-leg view when realignment is being considered. Each option is discussed in terms of your goals and what the examination shows.