Knee Osteoarthritis FAQs

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a specific type of arthritis characterized by joint degeneration, primarily affecting weight-bearing joints like the knees. Arthritis is a broader term that encompasses a group of more than 100 different types of joint disorders or diseases.

Knee osteoarthritis can be caused by a variety of factors including age, genetics, obesity, joint injury or trauma, overuse, and underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and a grating sensation during movement.

What are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis in the knee?

• Stage 1: Minor:  Slight cartilage damage with occasional pain and stiffness.
• Stage 2: Mild: Increased cartilage loss, more frequent pain and swelling.
• Stage 3: Moderate: Significant cartilage loss, persistent pain, and reduced mobility.
• Stage 4: Severe: Extensive cartilage damage, severe pain, stiffness, and joint deformity.

If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, stiffness, or if your symptoms interfere with daily activities despite self-care measures, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis typically involves a physical examination, review of medical history, imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI), and sometimes joint fluid analysis.

These exercises can help manage knee osteoarthritis, but we suggest consulting with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.

• Walking: Low-impact, improves joint mobility, and strengthens leg muscles.
• Cycling: Gentle on the knees, improves flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
• Swimming: Low-impact, strengthens muscles without stressing the joints.
• Strength Training: Builds leg muscles for better joint stability.
• Tai Chi and Yoga: Enhances flexibility, balance, and relaxation.
• Range of Motion Exercises: Improves knee flexibility and mobility.

Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, managing stress, avoiding excessive repetitive movements, and using proper joint protection techniques can help manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

The best treatment for osteoarthritis in knees varies depending on the severity of the condition. Common treatments for knee osteoarthritis include exercise, physical therapy, medications, injections (such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid), and lifestyle modifications. If these conservative methods are not successful, we recommend genicular artery embolization. 

GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the knee joint. By blocking these arteries, genicular artery embolization can reduce pain and inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis. It’s a same day procedure with fewer complications, shorter recovery time, and lasts for 1 to 3 years.