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Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and when it affects the knees, it can seriously impact your ability to move comfortably and enjoy daily life. This condition often develops slowly, and its early signs can be subtle—so many people don’t realize what’s happening until the symptoms become harder to ignore.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the common signs of osteoarthritis in the knees, what causes them, how to recognize them early, and what you can do to manage the condition.
What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. In the knee, it happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Think of cartilage like a shock absorber in your knee. As it thins out or disappears due to wear and tear, the bones start rubbing against each other—causing damage, discomfort, and inflammation.
Osteoarthritis in the knees is especially common in older adults, but it can also develop in younger people, especially those who have had knee injuries, are overweight, or have a family history of arthritis.
Common Signs of Osteoarthritis in Knees
Here are the most common signs you might notice if you’re dealing with knee osteoarthritis:
1. Knee Pain (Especially with Activity)
Pain is often the first and most noticeable symptom. It usually starts off mild and may come and go. You might feel it during or after movement, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair. The pain tends to worsen with prolonged activity and improve with rest.
Over time, the pain may become more persistent—even during rest or at night.
2. Stiffness (Especially in the Morning)
Many people with knee OA notice that their knees feel stiff when they wake up or after sitting for a long time. This stiffness usually eases after a few minutes of movement.
Morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes is common in osteoarthritis. If it lasts longer, it could be a sign of another type of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Swelling Around the Knee Joint
Swelling happens when there is inflammation in the joint. In osteoarthritis, the body tries to repair the damaged cartilage, but this process can create extra fluid in the knee. This leads to visible puffiness and may feel warm to the touch.
Chronic swelling can make the knee appear larger than normal and can limit your range of motion.
4. Grinding or Clicking Sensation (Crepitus)
Many people with OA notice a grinding, crunching, or clicking sound when they move their knee. This is caused by roughened surfaces of the bones rubbing against each other due to worn-out cartilage.
This sound isn’t always painful, but it’s a common indicator of joint wear.
5. Reduced Range of Motion
You may find it harder to fully bend or straighten your knee. As OA progresses, the knee may feel locked or become harder to move in certain directions. Daily tasks like squatting, kneeling, or sitting cross-legged can become challenging.
6. Weakness in the Knee or Feeling of Giving Way
Your knee might feel weak or unstable, especially when going down stairs or walking on uneven ground. This happens because the joint becomes less stable and the surrounding muscles may weaken due to lack of use or pain-related inactivity.
7. Bone Spurs
Over time, your body may develop small bony growths around the edges of the knee joint called bone spurs (osteophytes). These can sometimes be felt as hard lumps around the joint and may contribute to pain and stiffness.
Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis
Several factors can increase your chances of developing knee OA:
- Age – Risk increases with age, especially after 50.
- Previous knee injuries – Including sports injuries, meniscus tears, or ligament damage.
- Obesity – Excess weight puts extra stress on your knees.
- Genetics – Family history of osteoarthritis can increase your risk.
- Gender – Women are more likely to develop knee OA than men.
- Joint overuse – Jobs or activities that require repetitive knee movements.
How Is It Diagnosed?
If you suspect knee osteoarthritis, visit a healthcare professional. They may:
- Ask about your symptoms and medical history.
- Examine your knee for swelling, range of motion, and pain.
- Recommend X-rays to look for joint space narrowing and bone spurs.
- In some cases, suggest MRI or lab tests to rule out other conditions.
Managing Knee Osteoarthritis
While OA is a chronic condition and there’s no cure, there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Non-Surgical Options:
- Exercise and physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps support the joint.
- Weight management: Losing even a small amount of weight can reduce knee stress.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or topical creams.
- Assistive devices: Braces, shoe inserts, or canes to reduce stress on the joint.
- Heat and cold therapy: Helps with inflammation and stiffness.
- Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid can provide temporary relief.
Surgical Options (For Severe Cases):
- Arthroscopy: Cleaning out the joint (less common for OA now).
- Partial or total knee replacement: Recommended when daily activities become difficult and other treatments no longer help.
When to See a Doctor
If knee pain, swelling, or stiffness is interfering with your ability to walk, sleep, or carry out daily activities, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and help you stay active longer.
Final Thoughts
Osteoarthritis in the knee is a common condition, especially as we age. While it can be painful and limiting, recognizing the signs early and taking steps to manage it can make a big difference. By staying active, protecting your joints, and getting medical support when needed, you can live well with knee osteoarthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can knee osteoarthritis be cured?
No, osteoarthritis can’t be cured, but symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
2. Is walking good for knee osteoarthritis?
Yes, low-impact exercises like walking can strengthen the muscles around the knee and reduce stiffness. Just avoid high-impact activities that cause more pain.
3. At what age does knee osteoarthritis usually start?
It commonly starts after age 45–50, but younger people can develop it too, especially after knee injuries or due to genetic factors.
4. How do I know if my knee pain is osteoarthritis or something else?
If the pain worsens with activity, improves with rest, and is accompanied by stiffness and swelling, it may be osteoarthritis. A doctor can confirm through exams and imaging.
5. Should I avoid exercise if I have knee osteoarthritis?
No. In fact, avoiding exercise can weaken your muscles and worsen symptoms. Choose joint-friendly exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking.
