It might be that you’ve gotten used to your knee feeling tender and swelling after a very active day, but anti-inflammatory medication and icing provided relief. Or perhaps both knees occasionally felt stiff in the morning, but they loosened up shortly after you got up. None of this may have surprised you—you’ve come to expect some aches and pains as you age. But for the past few months, you’ve noticed more frequent pain and swelling in your knees, even when your activity level has been normal. Or maybe you’ve started thinking twice before going up and downstairs because your knees don’t feel stable. Could it be osteoarthritis?

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Although there are many different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common. Sometimes OA is called “wear-and-tear” arthritis because it occurs when knee cartilage—the soft tissue inside the knee joint that helps it glide smoothly—gradually wears away over time. That wearing-away process is called degeneration, and degeneration causes inflammation. Unlike skin, cartilage cannot grow back; cartilage damage is permanent.

Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis can include:

  • Knee noise—for example, clicking, popping, snapping, or a grinding sensation
  • A feeling of instability in the knee, such as weakness or buckling
  • Stiffness or locking of the knee joint
  • Swelling and skin warmth, even after light activity
  • Knee pain that gets better or worse depending on the weather

Risk Factors for Developing Knee Osteoarthritis

The following risk factors may increase a person’s chance of developing OA:

  • Being age 50 or older
  • Obesity, or regular participation in activities that require carrying extra weight
  • A past severe injury to the knee joint, or a history of knee injuries
  • Inherited anatomical features in the knee joint that can lead to cartilage damage

Diagnosis and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

If you suspect you might have knee OA, it’s a good idea to visit a medical professional who specializes in knee care, because OA will not get better on its own. During an office visit, the current level of knee damage will be assessed. This is usually done by conducting a physical examination and reviewing X-rays of the affected knee or knees. MRI scans are rarely needed in order to diagnose osteoarthritis.

Early intervention and treatment for knee OA can prevent it from getting worse, and conservative treatments are more likely to provide pain relief. Conservative treatments may involve a combination of therapies such as medication, physical therapy, various injections, and lifestyle changes. If knee pain is starting to limit your daily activities, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to help you put your life back in motion!