TL;DR Quick answer
Long-standing knee pain from arthritis or other causes that limits walking and daily activity. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as physiotherapy-led rehabilitation, radiofrequency ablation and nerve block.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About knee pain
Chronic knee pain is most often related to osteoarthritis, but it can also follow injury or surgery. Pain management focuses on reducing pain and keeping you active.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Pain on walking, climbing stairs or standing up; stiffness after rest; swelling |
| Common causes | Osteoarthritis; previous ligament or meniscus injury; persistent pain after knee replacement |
| How it is diagnosed | The knee is examined and X-rays are reviewed. |
| When to get help | Seek prompt care for a hot, red, swollen knee, especially with fever, or if you cannot bear weight |
| Treatment options | Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Nerve Block, Genicular Nerve Block, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Pain on walking, climbing stairs or standing up
- Stiffness after rest
- Swelling
- A grinding sensation in the joint
Risk factors
- Increasing age
- Excess body weight, which loads the knee
- Previous knee injury or surgery
- Jobs or sports with repeated kneeling or squatting
- Family history of osteoarthritis
Causes
- Osteoarthritis
- Previous ligament or meniscus injury
- Persistent pain after knee replacement
- Inflammatory arthritis
Prevention
- Keep thigh muscles strong with regular exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Choose low-impact activities such as walking, cycling or swimming
- Use supportive footwear
How it is diagnosed
The knee is examined and X-rays are reviewed. Other sources of pain, such as the hip or spine, are considered.
Treatment options
Options include weight and exercise guidance, physiotherapy, medication, intra-articular injections and, for selected patients, genicular nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation.
Advanced non-surgical treatment
For persistent knee arthritis pain, options may include:
- Genicular nerve block to numb the nerves carrying knee pain
- Radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerves for longer-lasting relief in selected patients
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, where suitable
Advantages of non-surgical treatment
- No surgical incision
- Day-care treatment
- Image-guided precision
- Can support exercise and physiotherapy
- May delay or help avoid the need for surgery in some patients
Myths and facts
Myth Knee arthritis means you should stop exercising.
Fact Appropriate exercise strengthens the muscles that support the knee and usually reduces pain.
Myth Knee replacement is the only option.
Fact Many people manage well with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is considered when pain and disability remain severe.
When to seek help
Seek prompt care for a hot, red, swollen knee, especially with fever, or if you cannot bear weight.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation | Treatment | Guided exercise and movement to restore strength, flexibility and confidence. | Ongoing / varies |
| Radiofrequency Ablation | Procedure | Using controlled heat on small sensory nerves to interrupt pain signals from joints. | 45–90 minutes |
| Nerve Block | Procedure | An injection of local anaesthetic near a specific nerve to diagnose or relieve pain. | 10–30 minutes |
| Genicular Nerve Block | Procedure | An injection around the small nerves of the knee to relieve arthritis pain. | 20–30 minutes |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection | Procedure | An injection prepared from your own blood for selected tendon and joint conditions. | 30–45 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
