Knee Osteoarthritis
Also known as: Knee OA، Degenerative knee disease، Gonarthrosis، Wear-and-tear arthritis of the knee
Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wear of cartilage cushioning the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It affects roughly 1 in 4 Egyptians over age 50.
Common Symptoms
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, often easing with movement
- Knee pain when climbing stairs, especially going down
- Pain when standing up after sitting for a long time
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when bending the knee
- Visible swelling around the knee, especially after activity
- Reduced range of motion — difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
- Knee buckling or giving way occasionally
- Pain at night that disturbs sleep in advanced cases
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age over 50 — cartilage naturally wears with time
- Previous knee injury (meniscus tear, ACL tear, fractures around the knee)
- Obesity — every extra kilogram adds ~4 kg of force across the knee with each step
- Repetitive heavy use (construction, agriculture, sports, dancing)
- Female sex — ~60% more common in women, especially after menopause
- Family history of joint disease
- Knee alignment problems — bow legs or knock knees
- Diabetes and metabolic syndrome — chronic inflammation accelerates breakdown
Treatment Options
Physical therapy and weight management (first-line)
Targeted strengthening of quadriceps and hip muscles reduces joint load significantly. For overweight patients, every 5 kg of weight loss reduces knee pain by ~20%. The foundation — all other treatments work better alongside it.
NSAIDs and topical anti-inflammatories
Oral medications (ibuprofen, diclofenac) reduce pain during flare-ups. Best used short-term. Topical diclofenac gel is safer for ongoing management.
Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation)
Lubricant injections into the joint. Most effective for moderate OA. Typical course: 3 injections over 3 weeks, effects last 6-12 months.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
Growth factors from patient's own blood injected into the joint. Works well for mild-to-moderate OA in active patients. Often paired with hyaluronic acid.
Partial knee replacement
Replaces only the damaged compartment. Smaller surgery, faster recovery (4-6 weeks), better range of motion preserved. For patients with OA limited to one compartment.
Total knee replacement
Replaces both surfaces with metal and plastic components. 90% of modern implants last 20+ years. Recovery: walker day 1, cane week 2-3, unassisted week 4-6. The right answer for advanced OA.
When to See a Doctor
- Knee pain persisting more than 6 weeks despite rest and OTC pain relief
- Pain that prevents normal walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping
- The knee locks, buckles, or won't bear weight
- Visible swelling, warmth, or redness in the knee
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Reduced range of motion affecting daily tasks (sitting on floor, getting in/out of cars, kneeling for prayer)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is gradual wear of cartilage cushioning the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It's the most common form of arthritis worldwide and affects roughly 1 in 4 Egyptians over age 50.
Can knee osteoarthritis be cured without surgery?
Knee osteoarthritis cannot be cured — lost cartilage doesn't regenerate. But for most patients in early to moderate stages, physical therapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and joint injections control symptoms for years. At Bone Art Clinic, roughly 70% of our knee OA patients are managed successfully without ever needing knee replacement.
How much does total knee replacement cost in Egypt in 2026?
Total knee replacement in private clinics in Egypt typically costs EGP 100,000 - 220,000 in 2026, depending on the implant brand, hospital, and surgeon. Local implants at the lower end; premium imported implants at the upper end.
How long is recovery after total knee replacement?
Most patients walk with a walker on day 1, cane by week 2-3, unassisted by week 4-6. Return to driving 4-6 weeks. Full recovery 3-6 months. Physical therapy starts within 24 hours of surgery.
Is knee replacement painful?
Modern knee replacement uses multimodal pain control — nerve blocks, spinal anesthesia, oral medications. Most patients describe post-surgery pain as 3-5/10 in the first 1-2 weeks. Less than the chronic pre-surgery pain that led to the operation.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Modern knee replacement implants are designed to last 20-30+ years. About 90% of implants are still functioning at 20 years. Lifespan depends on patient weight, activity level, implant brand, and surgical technique.