A Patient's Journey: Knee Osteoarthritis

Some details have been changed to protect patient anonymity.

At the Edinburgh Joint Injection Clinic, we know that chronic joint pain can affect every part of a patient’s life — from mobility and independence to emotional well-being. Much of our work involves helping people whose pain hasn’t responded to usual treatments, or who face lengthy waits before care is available elsewhere. Our goal is to provide expert, timely care that makes a meaningful difference.

One patient over the last year or so reminded us exactly why we do this work. She had significant knee osteoarthritis with escalating pain and disability. When we first met, she was on an NHS waiting list for knee replacement surgery, with an anticipated wait of around two years. Everyday activities — walking, climbing stairs, even moving around the home — had become increasingly difficult. Despite seeking help locally in England, she was unable to access appropriate interim treatment closer to home, leaving her managing pain around an unmet need.

Determined to get the help she needed, she travelled over 120 miles to attend a consultation with us. For many patients, this kind of journey requires careful planning, support from loved ones, and a significant emotional as well as physical investment. It was a privilege to meet her and to appreciate how much this appointment meant.

Following a careful consultation and assessment, we proceeded with a targeted joint injection to address her knee pain. The aim was not simply short-term relief, but improved function, reduced pain, and a better quality of life.

The injection provided meaningful benefit, and over the following year we continued treatment as needed, approximately every three months. These interventions helped her function more normally while awaiting definitive surgery.

At our most recent consultation, we were delighted to hear that she had progressed through the surgical waiting list more quickly than expected, with knee replacement now planned for early 2026. In light of this, we agreed that her most recent injection would be her last, and she was discharged from our care at an appropriate point in her treatment journey.

What stood out was not only the severity of her joint disease, but her determination to remain active and independent, and the lengths she was willing to go to in order to achieve that. Stories like this remind us that gaps or delays in access to care are not abstract problems — they have real consequences for real people.

Joint injections are not a cure for osteoarthritis, but when used appropriately, they can reduce pain, improve function, and help people continue with the activities that matter most. For some patients, timely access to this kind of treatment makes a profound difference.

At our clinic, every patient story informs our practice. We are humbled by the trust patients place in us, and we remain committed to delivering care that helps people live better with joint pain.

If you’re struggling with joint pain or osteoarthritis and feel that local options are limited or delayed, we welcome you to contact us to discuss your needs, or to book a consultation.