Knee Arthritis
A plain-language overview of knee osteoarthritis.
At a glance
- Where
- Knee (joint)
- Common signs
- Pain, stiffness, swelling
- Options
- Nonoperative care or knee replacement
- Urgent?
- Severe pain, deformity, fever, or numbness: seek care promptly.
For general education, not medical advice. Your own surgeon will recommend what fits your situation.
What it is
Knee arthritis is gradual loss of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It can develop with age, after prior injuries such as meniscus or ligament tears, or from inflammatory conditions.
Common symptoms
- Pain with walking, stairs, or standing
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling
- Grinding or a sense of the knee giving way
Treatment overview
Treatment usually starts with weight management, strengthening, activity changes, medications, bracing, and injections. When symptoms limit daily life despite these measures, knee replacement (arthroplasty), either partial or total, resurfaces the worn joint.