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Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, causing joint pain and stiffness. We help you stay active with exercise and advice, and offer a range of ultrasound-guided injections when you need more help.
Osteoarthritis affects the whole joint: the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones thins, the bone underneath changes, and the joint lining can become inflamed. It’s most common in the knees, hips, hands and spine, and becomes more common with age.
Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes hot, swollen joints and needs treatment from a rheumatologist. If we think you may have an inflammatory arthritis, we’ll suggest you see your GP.
Symptoms
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
Pain
Joint pain, often worse with activity and at the end of the day.
Stiffness
Stiffness after rest, usually easing within about 30 minutes.
Swelling
Occasional swelling, or a feeling of grinding or creaking.
Reduced movement
Difficulty with stairs, walking, getting up from a chair or gripping.
A joint that is suddenly hot, red and very swollen, especially with a fever, needs urgent medical attention.
Treatment options
Treatment for osteoarthritis
Steroid injection
£250
For a painful flare-up, to calm inflammation in the joint.
Book online or call us. Many of our consultations are free.
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Assessment
We listen to your history, examine you and, where it helps, scan the area with ultrasound.
03
Your plan
We explain what we think is going on and your options, with costs, so you can decide.
04
Treatment and review
We start treatment if it’s right for you, and check your progress as you go.
Self-care
Helping yourself
Keep active. Strengthening exercises, walking, cycling and swimming all help.
If you’re overweight, losing even a little weight can reduce the load on your knees and hips.
Supportive footwear, a walking stick on the opposite side, and simple painkillers can help on bad days.
Your clinicians
Meet the team
Gary Edwards
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Dr Gabriel Azzini
Doctor, Sport & Exercise Medicine
GMC 7689922
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Hyaluronic acid★★★★★
I first saw Gary for a consultation regarding the arthritis in my knees with a view to having a hyaluronic acid injection. Gary was extremely knowledgeable and went through all the options before suggesting which would be the best option for me.
Paula F. · 2025 · Google review
Knee injection★★★★★
My mum had acute knee pain which has been treated at the clinic, she now has much better mobility and positive outlook due to the treatment received. Gary has been so helpful and supportive throughout the consultation and treatment.
No. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. A Cochrane review found exercise reduced knee pain and improved function [1]. Some aching is normal as you start.
Which injection is best?
It depends on the joint, how severe the arthritis is and what you’ve tried. Steroid injections can help for a few weeks [2]; others are intended to last longer. We’ll talk you through the options.
When should I think about a joint replacement?
If pain and stiffness are seriously affecting your life despite other treatment. We can refer you for an orthopaedic opinion.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Fransen M, McConnell S, Harmer AR, et al. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(1):CD004376. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004376.pub3
Jüni P, Hari R, Rutjes AW, et al. Intra-articular corticosteroid for knee osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(10):CD005328. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005328.pub3
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.
