Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing down of the cartilage in the knee joint, causing pain and stiffness. This guide explains its symptoms, causes and non-surgical treatment, and when surgery may be considered.
Note: This information is general. Diagnosing osteoarthritis needs an in-person examination and sometimes imaging, and your treatment plan is set by your doctor.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
Symptoms usually build slowly and vary from person to person.
- Knee pain that worsens with walking or climbing stairs
- Stiffness after sitting for long or on waking
- Occasional swelling around the joint
- A grinding or clicking feeling when moving
- Difficulty bending or fully straightening the knee
- A change in the shape of the knee in advanced cases
Causes and risk factors
There is rarely a single cause. Several factors often combine.
- Getting older
- Extra body weight, which increases the load on the joint
- Earlier knee injuries, such as a meniscus or ligament tear
- Repeated use or heavy loading of the joint
- Family history
- Leg alignment that spreads load unevenly
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with your symptoms and injury history, followed by an examination of how the knee moves and how stable it is. An X-ray is usually requested and can show narrowing of the joint space. An MRI may be added if another problem, such as a meniscus tear, is suspected.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Treatment usually starts with non-surgical options that aim to ease pain, improve movement and keep you active in daily life.
- Adjusting activity and avoiding movements that aggravate pain
- Weight management where appropriate
- Physiotherapy and strengthening of the muscles around the knee
- A walking stick or brace when needed
- Knee injections in selected cases
Surgical treatment
If non-surgical options are not enough and pain keeps affecting daily life, your surgeon may discuss surgery. Options depend on the joint and the case, and may include knee arthroscopy in specific situations, or total knee replacement for advanced arthritis.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an important part of care, whether treatment is non-surgical or follows an operation. Recovery time varies from person to person and is set by the surgeon after assessment.
- Controlling pain and swelling
- Restoring knee movement
- Strengthening the thigh and leg muscles
- Balance and walking exercises
- A gradual return to daily activity
When to see the doctor
See an orthopedic surgeon if:
- Knee pain persists or worsens despite rest
- Pain or stiffness affects your walking or sleep
- The knee becomes swollen, red or warm
- The knee gives way or locks
- The shape of the knee changes noticeably