Conditions we diagnose and treat

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common reason for long-term knee pain in adults.

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

The smooth cartilage that lines the joint gradually thins, the bone underneath reacts, and the knee can become painful, stiff and swollen. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, confirms the diagnosis with imaging and, where it is right for you, treats the knee with injections guided by ultrasound.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

Pain that is worse with activity, stairs or getting up from a chair
Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting, usually easing within half an hour
Swelling, sometimes with a feeling of fluid in the knee
Grinding or creaking when the knee moves
Reduced movement, or the knee feeling unstable or giving way

When to seek help urgently

A knee that becomes hot, red and very swollen, especially with a fever or after an injection, needs urgent medical attention. Contact your GP, NHS 111 or A&E straight away.

How we diagnose knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is often diagnosed from your symptoms and an examination. Imaging helps when the diagnosis is not clear, when you are considering an injection, or when other problems need to be ruled out.

X-ray shows joint-space narrowing and bone changes, and helps grade how advanced the arthritis is.
Ultrasound shows fluid (an effusion), inflamed joint lining, Baker’s cysts and the tendons around the knee.
MRI shows the cartilage, meniscus, ligaments and bone marrow in detail, and is useful when pain does not match the X-ray.

For more detail, see our patient guide to the knee MRI scan.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms and any previous scans.
The knee is scanned with ultrasound, and X-ray or MRI is arranged if needed.
You discuss the options, including whether an injection is right for you.
If you go ahead, the injection is guided by ultrasound so it reaches the joint accurately.
You receive aftercare advice, and a written report is sent to you and, if you wish, your GP or physiotherapist.

Treatment options

Exercise, strengthening and, where relevant, weight loss are the foundation of treatment for everyone with knee osteoarthritis. Injections can reduce pain enough to make that possible. Options available at LSRI include:

Steroid (corticosteroid) injection: reduces inflammation and pain during a flare. Relief is usually short to medium term.
Hyaluronic acid injection: a gel that supplements the joint fluid. The evidence is mixed, but some patients do benefit. Dr Sankaye will talk through whether it is likely to help you.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma): uses a concentrate from your own blood. It may help some people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Hydrogel injection: a newer, longer-acting option for knee osteoarthritis.

If the knee is very swollen, the fluid can be drained under ultrasound before the injection, which often eases pain straight away. Read more about why ultrasound guidance matters, or compare gel injections and knee surgery.

Questions about knee osteoarthritis

Can injections cure knee osteoarthritis?

No. Injections do not reverse arthritis, but they can reduce pain and make it easier to stay active and do the exercises that help most.

How often can I have a steroid injection in my knee?

Steroid injections are usually limited to a few a year in the same joint. Dr Sankaye will advise on what is safe for you.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?

Not always. If you have recent imaging, bring it with you. If not, the right scan can be arranged at your appointment.

Will I need a knee replacement?

Many people with knee osteoarthritis manage well without surgery. If your symptoms are severe and not improving, Dr Sankaye can advise when an orthopaedic surgeon's opinion is worthwhile.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.