What is knee arthritis?
Knee arthritis is joint damage in the knee — most often osteoarthritis — causing pain when standing, walking or climbing stairs, stiffness after rest, and swelling. NICE recommends exercise and weight loss as first-line treatment; every 5 kg lost cuts knee load by roughly 20 kg.
Last updated 2026-07-01. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best exercise for knee arthritis?
Quadriceps strengthening (straight-leg raises, wall sits) plus low-impact aerobic (cycling, swimming). 3-5 sessions a week for 8+ weeks shows meaningful pain reduction.
Should I use a walking stick?
Use it in the opposite hand to the painful knee — this reduces load by up to 25%.