Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and it is one of the conditions I discuss most frequently with patients in Dubai. There is a widespread belief that once the cartilage in a knee wears down, there is nothing to be done short of surgery. That belief is outdated and, importantly, it is incorrect. There is a great deal that can be done to manage knee OA effectively.

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down. As the cartilage thins, the joint can become painful, swollen and stiff. Bone spurs may develop, and the joint space may narrow over time.

It is more common with age, but younger people can develop it too, particularly following injury or if they carry excess body weight. In Dubai's active expat and local population, I see a wide range of presentations, from mild early-stage discomfort to more advanced disease affecting daily mobility.

Why Exercise Is the Cornerstone of Treatment

This is the most important message I share with patients: exercise is the most evidence-based treatment for knee OA. It may feel counterintuitive to move a painful joint, but the research is unequivocal. Regular, appropriately dosed exercise reduces pain, improves function and slows progression.

  • Strengthening: Quadriceps and hip strengthening reduces the load experienced by the knee joint during walking and other activities.
  • Low-impact aerobic exercise: Swimming, cycling and walking are excellent options that improve cardiovascular health without high joint stress.
  • Flexibility work: Maintaining hamstring, calf and hip flexor flexibility reduces strain on the knee.
  • Balance training: Proprioception is often impaired in OA, and balance exercises reduce fall risk and improve joint stability.

Weight Management and Joint Load

Every kilogram of body weight adds approximately four kilograms of force across the knee joint during walking. In Dubai's food-rich environment, weight management can be challenging, but even modest reductions in body weight can meaningfully reduce knee pain and slow disease progression.

Activity Modifications

Part of living well with knee OA is learning how to modify activities rather than avoid them entirely. Choosing a lift over stairs during a flare, alternating sitting and standing throughout the day, and wearing supportive footwear all make a practical difference. In Dubai, where many people walk on hard tiled surfaces or spend long periods in shopping malls, these adjustments are particularly relevant.

The goal with knee osteoarthritis is not to stop moving. It is to move smarter. With the right programme, most people can remain active and engaged in the life they want to live.

Other Physiotherapy Approaches

Manual therapy, taping techniques and gait retraining are all tools that a physiotherapist may use as part of a comprehensive management plan. These are adjuncts to exercise, not replacements for it.

When Should You Seek Help?

If knee pain is affecting your sleep, limiting your ability to walk or climb stairs, or causing you to reduce activities you enjoy, it is time to seek professional guidance. A structured physiotherapy assessment can identify the specific impairments driving your symptoms and build a plan tailored to your lifestyle. To get started, book a consultation with Dr. Smruti Rathod.