When should I see a knee surgeon about my arthritis?

Signs it is time for a specialist assessment

• Pain that wakes you at night or is present at rest
• Walking distance shrinking, or needing to stop and sit on the way to the car or mosque
• Difficulty with prayer, stairs, getting out of a car or rising from a chair
• Swelling that keeps returning
• The knee locking, catching or giving way
• The leg becoming more bowed or knock-kneed, or losing the ability to straighten fully
• A fair trial of exercise, weight management and pain relief has not helped enough
• You have been told you need a replacement and want to understand all the options

When to seek urgent care

Go to an emergency department the same day if:

• The knee is suddenly hot, red and very swollen, especially with fever or feeling unwell, which can signal infection or gout
• You cannot put weight on the leg after a fall or twist
• The calf is swollen, tender or red, which can be a blood clot
• There is new numbness, coldness or colour change in the foot

Seeing a surgeon does not mean having surgery

Many people delay seeing a surgeon because they are worried about being pushed into an operation. In practice, most people with knee arthritis seen in clinic are treated without surgery, at least at first. A specialist assessment clarifies which part of the knee is worn, whether alignment or a mechanical problem is contributing, and which treatments are likely to help. If surgery becomes appropriate later, you will understand why.

What happens at Aman Hospital

Dr. Gelber takes a full history of your symptoms and what you find hardest, examines the knee, hips and alignment, and arranges standing X-rays. He explains the stage of the arthritis and a stepwise plan, which may include physiotherapy, weight advice, medicines, injections, bracing or, when appropriate, osteotomy or partial or total knee replacement. Bring previous scans, a list of medicines and, if you like, a family member.