Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain, particularly in adults over age 50. The condition develops when the protective cartilage within the knee joint gradually wears down over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones within the joint begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.

For many patients, knee arthritis progresses slowly over several years. Early symptoms may be mild and occur only during activity. However, as the condition advances, pain may occur more frequently and can begin to interfere with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or standing for long periods.

Knee arthritis is a very common orthopedic condition, affecting millions of individuals each year. Fortunately, a wide range of treatment options are available. Many patients find relief with conservative therapies such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications. In more advanced cases, surgical procedures such as knee replacement surgery can restore mobility and significantly reduce pain.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for slowing disease progression and maintaining long-term joint function.

What Is Knee Arthritis?

The knee joint is formed by three bones:

• The femur (thigh bone)
• The tibia (shin bone)
  
• The patella (kneecap)

The ends of these bones are normally covered by a smooth, durable layer of cartilage. This cartilage allows the bones to glide smoothly over one another during movement while also absorbing shock during activities such as walking or running.

Arthritis occurs when this cartilage gradually breaks down. As cartilage loss progresses, the joint space narrows and the bones begin to rub together. This leads to inflammation, stiffness, pain, and decreased mobility.

There are several types of arthritis that can affect the knee.

Osteoarthritis

The most common form is osteoarthritis, which results from gradual wear and tear on the joint over time. It typically develops later in life but may occur earlier in individuals with previous knee injuries.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint. This causes inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a knee injury such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscus injury. Even after the injury heals, the joint may gradually develop degenerative changes.

Common Causes

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing knee arthritis. In many cases, multiple factors contribute to the development of the condition.

Common risk factors include:

Aging

Cartilage naturally becomes thinner and less resilient with age, making arthritis more common in older adults.

Prior Knee Injuries

Previous injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries, or fractures around the knee joint can accelerate cartilage degeneration.

Obesity

Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joint. Even small increases in weight can significantly increase the forces transmitted through the knee during walking.

Family History

Genetics may play a role in the development of arthritis, making some individuals more susceptible than others.

Repetitive Stress

Occupations or sports that involve frequent kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting may increase stress on the knee joint over time.

Abnormal Joint Alignment

Structural differences such as bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment can alter the distribution of weight across the joint, contributing to uneven cartilage wear.

Symptoms

The symptoms of knee arthritis often develop gradually and may worsen over time. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the amount of cartilage loss and the degree of inflammation in the joint.

Common symptoms include:

Knee Pain

Pain is typically felt during activity or after prolonged use of the joint. As arthritis progresses, pain may also occur during rest.

Joint Stiffness

Patients frequently experience stiffness in the knee, particularly in the morning or after sitting for extended periods.

Swelling

Inflammation within the joint can lead to swelling around the knee.

Grinding or Popping Sensations

As cartilage wears away, patients may notice grinding, clicking, or popping during movement.

Reduced Range of Motion

Arthritis can make it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee.

Difficulty with Daily Activities

Activities such as walking, climbing stairs, kneeling, or rising from a seated position may become increasingly difficult.

In advanced cases, the knee may become visibly enlarged or develop deformity due to bone changes within the joint.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis of knee arthritis begins with a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.

The diagnostic process typically includes:

Medical History

The physician will review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, prior injuries, and activity level.

Physical Examination

During the examination, the knee will be evaluated for tenderness, swelling, alignment, stability, and range of motion.

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies help confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of arthritis.

X-rays

X-rays are commonly used to assess joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other structural changes associated with arthritis.

MRI

In certain cases, MRI scans may be used to evaluate cartilage damage, soft tissues, and other structures within the knee.

These diagnostic tools allow the orthopedic specialist to determine the stage of arthritis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment for knee arthritis is individualized and depends on the severity of symptoms, the degree of joint damage, and the patient’s lifestyle and activity goals.

Many patients achieve significant improvement with non-surgical treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Conservative treatment options may include:

Activity Modification

Reducing activities that place excessive stress on the knee joint can help decrease pain.

Weight Management

Losing excess weight can significantly reduce pressure on the knee joint and improve symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Strengthening the muscles around the knee improves joint stability and function.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce pain and inflammation.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief of inflammation and pain. In some cases, viscosupplementation injections may improve joint lubrication.

Bracing

Knee braces may help redistribute forces within the joint and improve stability during activity.

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, surgical treatment may be recommended.

The most common procedure for advanced arthritis is knee replacement surgery, which involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components designed to restore smooth movement and relieve pain.

Modern knee replacement techniques have excellent success rates and allow many patients to return to normal activities with significantly improved mobility.

If you are experiencing knee pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility related to knee arthritis, an evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Our practice provides comprehensive orthopedic care for patients throughout the East Bay, including Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, San Ramon, and Dublin. We offer both non-surgical and advanced surgical treatment options for knee arthritis and other knee conditions.

If knee pain is interfering with your ability to stay active or perform daily activities, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Early treatment can improve outcomes and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

Contact our office today to schedule an orthopedic evaluation and learn more about your treatment options.