Worcestershire surgeon says newer knee treatment methods can help reduce waiting times for patients
Around 350,000 people are diagnosed yearly with osteoarthritis
A knee surgeon in Worcestershire says it's important to continue to look at new ways people can receive treatment for their joint pain.
Approximately 5.4 million people are living with osteoarthritis in their knees in the UK - a condition which causes joints to become painful and stiff.
Andy Pearse is a knee specialist, and says new methods such as injections can help support patients quicker and as effectively, while reducing pressures on the NHS.
He said: "The way that we're treating people with osteoarthritis in this country is really under pressure, so we need to find new and innovative ways to just try and take that pressure off.
"Those who are quite young but suffering from osteoarthritis, they're just at an age where a knee replacement just isn't an option, because the younger and the more active you are, the quicker you'll wear it out, and you'll find yourself in a situation where you'll have to consider having it done all over again.
"We also know there's people who might be too unwell, or even too concerned about undergoing major knee surgery, because it's not a small thing, it's a big interruption in people's lives, and therefore having another option available to them is absolutely key."
Around 350,000 people are diagnosed yearly with osteoarthritis.