Symptoms
- Pain during or after movement
- Joint stiffness after rest
- Swelling and warmth around the knee
- Crepitus (grinding sensation)
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty with stairs and squatting
Common causes
- Age-related cartilage degeneration
- Obesity and excess body weight
- Previous knee injuries
- Genetic predisposition
- Malalignment (bow legs or knock knees)
- Overuse from repetitive activities
How physiotherapy helps
Management includes quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, manual therapy for joint mobilisation, weight management guidance, taping, bracing, and modalities like ultrasound and cryotherapy for pain and inflammation control.
Exercises your physiotherapist may give you
- Straight leg raises
- Quad sets (isometric)
- Hamstring curls
- Seated knee extensions
- Wall squats (partial range)
- Stationary cycling
Please note: start these exercises only after an assessment, and stop if pain increases. Your physiotherapist will choose the right exercises, number of repetitions and progression for you.
Guide written by the physiotherapists of CAPT – Centre for Advanced Physiotherapy, MVM Educational Trust. For more reading, search MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).