What Is Knee Arthritis?
Arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the knee becomes worn or damaged. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and often progresses gradually, although prior injury can accelerate joint degeneration.
Common Symptoms
- Pain with walking, standing or stairs
- Stiffness after rest or in the morning
- Swelling or a feeling of fullness in the joint
- Grinding, catching or reduced range of motion
- Increasing difficulty with activities you value
How It Is Diagnosed
Evaluation usually includes a history, physical examination and weight-bearing X-rays. The pattern and severity of symptoms matter as much as the X-ray appearance.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Treatment begins with the diagnosis, symptom severity and your goals. Options may include:
- Activity modification and low-impact exercise
- Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
- Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication when medically appropriate
- Injections for selected patients
- Weight and lifestyle strategies when relevant to joint load and overall health
When Surgery May Be Considered
When pain and loss of function remain significant despite appropriate nonsurgical care, partial or total knee replacement may be considered. The choice depends on which parts of the knee are affected, ligament function, anatomy, health and goals.
This page provides general educational information. Symptoms can have more than one cause, and treatment recommendations should be based on an individual evaluation.