ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Chronic Arthritis

Understand the Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options That Can Help

What Is Chronic Arthritis?

Arthritis is often thought of as a part of “getting older,” but it’s actually a condition that can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life, especially when it becomes chronic.

Chronic arthritis refers to long-term inflammation and degeneration of the joints. One of the most common forms is knee osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time. This causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday movements like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting up from a chair.

It’s not just a matter of age, chronic arthritis can also result from previous injuries, joint misalignment, excess weight, or repetitive stress on the joints.

What Does It Feel Like?

Chronic arthritis doesn’t always come on suddenly. Many people describe a slow build-up of:

Persistent joint pain, especially after activity or at the end of the day
Stiffness in the morning or after long periods of rest
Swelling or a feeling of warmth around the joint
A crunching or grinding sound (crepitus) when moving the joint
Difficulty straightening or fully bending the knee

Over time, these symptoms can make even routine tasks exhausting.

How It Affects Daily Life

Living with chronic knee arthritis can be draining, not just physically, but mentally. Some patients find themselves avoiding social events, hobbies, or exercise because the discomfort becomes too limiting.

Without proper care, joint damage may progress, making symptoms harder to manage and reducing your mobility over time. But early intervention can make a big difference.

What Can Be Done?

While there’s no “cure” for osteoarthritis, many treatment options are available to help reduce pain, protect your joints, and improve your quality of life.

Depending on your condition, Dr Nicholas Chua may recommend:

Targeted injections to reduce inflammation or cushion the joint
Medications to ease pain and stiffness
Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve mobility
Weight management strategies to reduce pressure on the joints
Lifestyle coaching to help you stay active safely and prevent flare-ups

Not every patient needs aggressive treatment, some benefit greatly from simple but consistent adjustments in daily routines.

Don’t Let Arthritis Take Over Your Life

Chronic arthritis doesn’t mean you’re “just getting old.” With the right support, most patients can stay active, independent, and in control of their pain.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Arthritis

Still unsure if you should see a pain specialist for your pain? We address some common questions about resolving pain and what we do below. Click the various questions to find out more!

What is chronic arthritis?

Chronic arthritis refers to long-term inflammation and degeneration of the joints. One of the most common forms is knee osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.

What are the symptoms of chronic arthritis?

Common symptoms of chronic arthritis include persistent joint pain, stiffness after periods of rest, swelling around the joint, a grinding or crunching sensation during movement, and difficulty fully bending or straightening the affected joint.

What causes chronic arthritis?

While ageing can contribute to arthritis, chronic arthritis may also develop due to previous injuries, joint misalignment, excess weight, or repetitive stress placed on the joints over time.

Can chronic arthritis be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many patients with chronic arthritis can benefit from non-surgical treatment options such as physiotherapy, medications, targeted injections, weight management strategies, and lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing joint stress and improving mobility.

When should I seek treatment for chronic arthritis?

If arthritis pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility is affecting your daily activities, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Early intervention may help manage symptoms, protect joint function, and support long-term mobility.