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What are the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee pain that won’t quit? It could be osteoarthritis (OA). Millions of people around the world experience knee pain, and one of the most common causes is osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis, often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, affects the cartilage in your knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While the severity can vary, recognizing the symptoms early can help you manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
Common Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Osteoarthritis knee symptoms range from instability and weakness to swelling and inflammation. Symptoms often start gradually and progress with age, but they vary from person to person, and you may not experience all of them. It’s important to be aware of OA knee symptoms since early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent complications.
Knee Crepitus
Crepitus is a grating, grinding, or popping sensation felt in the knee during movement. It sometimes is accompanied by an audible crackling sound caused by the damaged cartilage rubbing against each other. It can be particularly noticeable during bending or straightening the knee.
Knee Instability
Instability is a feeling of weakness or lack of support in the knee – like it might buckle or give way. It’s caused by weakened muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint due to decreased activity. It can make walking, stairs, and uneven surfaces challenging.
Knee Locking
The knee may feel as if it gets stuck in a bent or straight position, as if it “catches” or “locks,” preventing full extension. It’s caused by Inflamed tissues or loose cartilage fragments in the knee temporarily catching within the joint space. It may occur occasionally or frequently, causing a momentary halt in movement.
Knee Pain
Knee pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating over time. Pain can occur anywhere around the knee, but it’s often felt on the inside, outside, or front of the joint. The pain can be sharp, dull, aching, or burning. It often worsens with activity, like walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling, and improves with rest.
Knee Stiffness
Knee stiffness is a common symptom of osteoarthritis. You may experience stiffness in the morning for at least 30 minutes or after prolonged sitting. As OA progresses, you may find it difficult to bend or straighten your knee fully and have a limited range of motion.
Knee Swelling
Osteoarthritis may cause mild to moderate swelling in the knee. The knee joint may appear rounded and puffy, especially around the kneecap or along the sides of the joint. Swelling may worsen after periods of activity and improve with rest or elevation.
Early OA Knee Symptoms
Early osteoarthritis (OA) in the knee can be sneaky and subtle, often mimicking the aches and pains that come with everyday life. However, recognizing the early warning signs can help you get a jump on treatment and prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some key symptoms to watch out for:
- Aching Pain
- Morning Stiffness
- Subtle Swelling
- Occasional Clicks or Pops
- Difficulty Bending Your Knee
Advanced OA Knee Symptoms
If the occasional twinge in your knee has morphed into a constant ache, you might be experiencing advanced osteoarthritis (OA) in the knee. Advanced osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in your knee joint has worn away significantly, leading to bone-on-bone contact, severe pain, and limited mobility. Here are some key signs that your knee OA has progressed to a more advanced stage:
- Constant, Sharp Pain
- Crippling Stiffness
- Frequent Clicking and Grinding Sounds
- Muscle Weakness and Instability
- Noticeable Swelling and Warmth
- Significant Loss of Range of Motion
Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms Frequently Asked Questions
- Knee Pain
- Knee Stiffness
- Knee Swelling
- Crackling or Grinding Sensation
- Loss of Range of Motion
OA symptoms can develop gradually, so it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs:
- Mild, occasional joint pain: This may come and go, and you might not associate it with OA at first.
- Stiffness after periods of inactivity: Your joints might feel stiff after sitting for a long time or in the morning, but it improves with movement.
- Slight swelling in the joint: This may be subtle and not noticeable at first.
If you experience any of the OA symptoms, especially if they’re:
- Severe or disruptive to your daily life
- Getting worse over time
- Accompanied by fever, chills, or weight loss
- Causing significant pain or difficulty moving
Our Knee Pain Specialists
Whether your knee osteoarthritis stems from years of wear and tear or a sports injury, our team of knee pain specialists in New York and New Jersey provides personalized diagnoses, customized treatment plans, and access to innovative minimally invasive procedures, such as genicular artery embolization. We understand that osteoarthritis is more than just physical pain; it can impact your mobility and quality of life. You can find the following doctors at our locations.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.