What Is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes the cartilage in the knee to break down, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Joint pain is a primary symptom of knee arthritis and can range from mild discomfort to severe, persistent pain. The most common type is osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis can also affect the knee. Symptoms often worsen over time. While some aches and pains are normal as people age, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate arthritis. These symptoms can significantly impact your ability to walk, stand, or perform daily tasks, and people with knee arthritis may experience difficulties such as pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that require adjustments or assistance.[1]
Can You Get Disability for Knee Arthritis?
Yes, it is possible to qualify for disability benefits if your knee arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working or performing basic daily activities. In the UK, this may involve applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). In the US, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main programs.[2]
To be eligible, you must demonstrate that your knee arthritis causes significant functional limitations, such as:
- Inability to walk without assistance (e.g., cane, walker, crutches)
- Severe pain, swelling, or stiffness that limits movement
- Difficulty standing, climbing stairs, or performing work-related tasks
- Frequent need to rest or elevate the leg
Eligibility depends on how your condition affects your ability to perform daily activities and mobility tasks. Benefits are typically awarded if your disability is expected to last for a certain period or longer.
Medical evidence—including X-rays, MRI scans, physical exam findings, and detailed reports from your doctor or healthcare provider—is essential for a successful claim.
For example, someone with knee arthritis who cannot walk more than a few meters without severe pain and needs a mobility aid may qualify for disability benefits if their condition affects their ability to work and is expected to persist.
Types of Disability Benefits for Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis is a common condition that can severely affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities, sometimes resulting in a loss of income and employer-provided health benefits. Fortunately, there are several types of disability benefits designed to support individuals whose arthritis makes it difficult to maintain employment or manage everyday tasks.
In the United States, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for people who have paid into the Social Security system through FICA taxes and meet the criteria for disability. SSDI provides monthly payments to help replace lost income and maintain access to essential health benefits. For those with limited income and resources, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers additional financial assistance, regardless of work history, to support people who are disabled, blind, or over 65.
In the UK, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a key benefit for individuals with long term conditions like knee arthritis, helping to cover the extra costs of living with a disability. Attendance Allowance is also available for those over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to their health condition. These benefits are designed to provide support and assistance, ensuring that people with arthritis can maintain their independence and quality of life, even if their ability to work or perform daily activities is limited.
If knee arthritis is affecting your ability to work or manage daily living, you may be eligible for one or more of these benefits. It’s important to explore all available options and seek advice to ensure you receive the support you need.
Financial Support Options for People with Knee Arthritis
Managing knee arthritis can bring additional expenses, from medical treatments to adaptations in your home. Thankfully, there are a range of financial support options available to help ease the burden and support your daily living needs.
Disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance can provide regular payments to help with the extra costs of living with arthritis. If you are unable to work or your income is reduced, you may also be eligible for Universal Credit or other benefits designed to support people with disabilities. For those who care for someone with severe knee arthritis, Carer’s Allowance can offer additional financial support.
Beyond regular benefits, you may be able to claim a Disabled Facilities Grant to help fund essential adaptations to your home, such as installing a stairlift, walk-in shower, or ramps to improve mobility and safety. Health professionals, including occupational therapists, can assess your needs and guide you through the process of applying for these grants and other forms of assistance.
If you think you may be eligible for financial support, it’s important to gather evidence of your condition and speak to your healthcare team or a benefits advisor. They can help you understand your options and make a successful claim, ensuring you get the support you need to manage your arthritis and maintain your independence.
How to Strengthen Your Disability Claim
- Comprehensive medical records: Include all imaging, test results, and treatment history, but remember that not all types of evidence are necessarily required for every claim.
- Detailed doctor’s notes: Ask your healthcare provider to document how knee arthritis affects your daily life and work capacity.
- Functional assessments: Reports from physiotherapists or occupational therapists can provide objective evidence of the person’s limitations.
- Consistent treatment: Show that you have followed recommended treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections.
Daily Living and Mobility Aids for Knee Arthritis
Living with knee arthritis can make everyday tasks more challenging, but the right daily living and mobility aids can make a significant difference. Tools such as walking sticks, mobility scooters, and home adaptations like handrails, ramps, or stairlifts can help you move around more safely and comfortably, supporting your independence and quality of life.
An occupational therapist can assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable aids and adaptations for your situation. They can also help you access financial support, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant, which may be available to help cover the cost of necessary changes to your home. This grant can be a valuable resource for making your living environment safer and more accessible if you are eligible.
If you are struggling with mobility or daily living tasks due to knee arthritis, don’t hesitate to seek support. With the right aids and financial assistance, you can continue to live as independently as possible and manage your condition more effectively.
Mental Health Considerations When Living with Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis doesn’t just affect your joints—it can also have a profound impact on your mental health. Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and changes in your ability to participate in daily activities can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression. It’s important to recognize these challenges and take steps to support your mental well-being alongside your physical health.
Health professionals, such as counselors, therapists, or your GP, can provide valuable support if you’re struggling with your mental health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help—talking about your feelings and accessing professional support can make a real difference. Regular exercise, even gentle stretching or strengthening routines, can also help improve your mood and reduce some of the symptoms associated with arthritis.
Remember, you’re not alone. Many people living with arthritis experience similar challenges, and support is available. By prioritizing your mental health and seeking help when needed, you can better manage the impact of knee arthritis on your daily life and overall well-being.
Case Study: Successful Disability Claim for Knee Arthritis
A 58-year-old patient with severe knee osteoarthritis experienced chronic pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. The patient also had other conditions, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes, which contributed to their overall disability claim. Despite multiple treatments—including physical therapy, medications, and steroid injections—the patient’s mobility continued to decline. After providing detailed medical records, functional assessments, and a letter from their orthopaedic consultant, the patient was awarded PIP and ESA, allowing them to access additional support and resources.
Treatments for Knee Arthritis
Conservative Treatments
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
- Pain management: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or topical creams for pain relief.
- Weight management: Reduces stress on the knee joint and slows disease progression.
- Assistive devices: Braces, canes, or walkers for support and stability.
- Lifestyle changes: Low-impact exercise, balanced diet, and joint protection strategies.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat knee arthritis.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with knee arthritis.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of knee arthritis, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Other Interventions
- Corticosteroid injections: For severe pain or inflammation in the knee.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: To lubricate the joint and reduce pain.
- Surgery: Knee replacement or repair for advanced arthritis not responding to conservative care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medical evidence is needed for a knee arthritis disability claim?
You’ll need imaging (X-rays, MRI), detailed doctor’s notes, treatment history, and functional assessments showing how arthritis limits your daily activities.[2]
Can I work with knee arthritis?
Many people can work with mild to moderate knee arthritis, but severe cases may require job modifications or disability benefits.
In some cases, individuals may be able to continue working if their employer provides special accommodations, such as flexible hours or ergonomic adjustments.
Knee arthritis can significantly impact a person’s working life, sometimes leading to the need for job modifications or even early retirement depending on the severity and progression of the condition.
Is prolotherapy safe for knee arthritis?
Prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner and has shown promising results for knee arthritis pain and function.[3]
What if my claim is denied?
You can appeal the decision. Providing additional medical evidence and working with your healthcare provider or a disability advocate can improve your chances of success.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let knee arthritis control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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- Phone: +441234380345
- Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating knee arthritis, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with knee arthritis and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
References
- Arthritis Foundation. (2023). Knee Osteoarthritis. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/knee-osteoarthritis
- GOV.UK. (2023). Personal Independence Payment (PIP). https://www.gov.uk/pip
- Rabago, D., et al. (2016). Prolotherapy in Primary Care Practice. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 43(2), 329-338. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4913113/