Osteoarthritis, affects mainly the elderly but it is now appearing more commonly in patients under sixty. The main problem is the loss of joint cartilage through overuse, wear and tear as well as injuries.

In the early stages, patients can be managed with physiotherapy (to strengthen the weakened leg muscles), weight loss and activity medication (do activities that don’t involve deep knee bends and high impact, e.g. jumping) like walking, elliptical trainer, cycling and swimming. Medication like panadol, anti-inflammatories and glucosamine often help, along with injections of hyaluronic acid and very occasionally, steroids.