Knee Arthritis
What Is Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of the femur and tibia gradually wears away, leaving bone to rub against bone. This cartilage normally allows the knee to move without friction or pain. As it thins, the knee joint becomes inflamed, stiff, and painful. The most common form is osteoarthritis, a gradual “wear and tear” process, though arthritis can also develop after an injury (post-traumatic arthritis) or as part of an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis.
What Causes Knee Arthritis?
Several factors contribute to the development of knee arthritis:
- Age — cartilage naturally thins over time
- Previous knee injuries, including ligament tears, meniscus tears, or fractures
- Repetitive stress from certain occupations or sports
- Excess body weight, which increases the load on the knee joint
- Genetics and family history
- Joint alignment issues, such as being knock-kneed or bow-legged
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Arthritis?
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest, especially early in the disease
- Stiffness, particularly after sitting for a while or first thing in the morning
- Swelling around the joint
- A grinding, clicking, or crunching sensation with movement
- Gradual loss of full range of motion
- Visible change in the shape of the knee in more advanced cases
Does Knee Arthritis Get Worse Over Time?
Yes, in most cases arthritis is a progressive condition — meaning it tends to worsen gradually over months to years rather than staying the same or improving. The rate of progression varies widely between patients. Many people manage symptoms successfully for years with nonsurgical treatment, while others progress more quickly, especially if there’s ongoing joint stress from activity, weight, or alignment issues.
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Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis
Treatment is tailored to the severity of arthritis and the impact on daily life, and typically follows a step-up approach:
- Activity modification — shifting to lower-impact exercise like swimming or cycling
- Physical therapy — strengthening the muscles around the knee to reduce joint stress
- Weight management — even modest weight loss can meaningfully reduce knee joint loading
- Anti-inflammatory medication to manage pain and swelling
- Bracing to offload a specific part of the joint
- Injections, such as Cortisone Injections, Viscosupplementation, or PRP Injections, to reduce inflammation, improve joint lubrication, or support the joint’s own healing response
When these measures no longer provide adequate relief and arthritis significantly limits daily activities, surgical options may be considered. Depending on how much of the knee is affected, this can range from a partial knee replacement (for arthritis limited to one compartment of the knee) to a total knee replacement. Learn more on our Partial Knee Replacement and Knee Arthroplasty pages.
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Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.