If you’ve ever felt an ache in your knee that comes and goes—or flares up after a long walk or a chilly day—you may have asked yourself: “Could this be arthritis?” Many are also pondering this question. Knee arthritis affects millions of adults, especially over 45, and often starts quietly. But what does arthritis of the knee actually feel like?
Is it just stiffness? Or something sharper, deeper? Can it come and go? Let’s break it down.
What Is Knee Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. In the knee, it typically shows up as osteoarthritis—the “wear and tear” kind that happens as cartilage wears away over time. Less commonly, it can be rheumatoid arthritis, which is autoimmune in nature and affects the joint lining.
Either way, the result is the same: pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
So, What Does Arthritis in the Knee Actually Feel Like?
People describe knee arthritis in different ways. But here’s what’s most common symptoms:
1. A Deep, Aching Pain Inside the Joint
This isn’t a sharp, surface-level pain like a bruise. It’s deeper—like it’s coming from within the knee. It may feel dull most of the time but gets sharper when you’re active.
You might feel it in the front of the knee, under the kneecap, or on the inside edge. Some people say it’s like a slow throb that builds as the day goes on.
2. Stiffness – Especially in the Morning or After Sitting
A hallmark of arthritis is feeling stiff when you first get up—whether it’s from bed or a chair. The knee feels tight, resistant, or like it doesn’t want to bend fully. It might loosen up after a few minutes of movement, but the stiffness often returns after periods of inactivity.
3. Grinding or Crunching Sensation (Crepitus)
Ever bend your knee and feel or hear a grinding, clicking, or crunching? That’s called crepitus, and it’s common with arthritis. It usually means the cartilage has worn down, and now bones are rubbing closer together.
This doesn’t always hurt—but over time, it can lead to inflammation and flare-ups.
4. Swelling That Comes and Goes
Inflammation in the joint can lead to intermittent swelling, especially after long walks, standing for hours, or even changes in weather. The knee may look puffy, feel warm, and become hard to fully extend or bend.
5. A Feeling of Weakness or Instability
People with knee arthritis often describe feeling like their knee could “give out” unexpectedly. It’s not necessarily pain—it’s more of a wobbly or unreliable feeling, especially when climbing stairs, stepping off curbs, or carrying weight.
6. Weather Sensitivity
Many people notice their knees ache more when it’s cold, damp, or stormy. While there’s no definitive science to explain this, it’s believed that barometric pressure changes can affect joints with inflammation, causing pain or stiffness to increase.
Early vs. Advanced Arthritis: How It Progresses
In early stages, the symptoms may come and go. You might chalk it up to “getting older” or “overdoing it.” But as arthritis progresses, it often becomes more constant and harder to ignore.
In later stages, people describe:
- Pain even at rest
- Difficulty walking short distances
- A visible change in leg alignment (bow-legged or knock-kneed)
- Reduced range of motion
How to Tell If It’s Arthritis or Something Else?
Knee pain can come from many sources—ligament injuries, bursitis, meniscus tears, or even hip problems referring pain downward. But arthritis has a distinct pattern: slow onset, deep aching, stiffness after rest, and gradual worsening over months or years.
The only way to be sure is with a diagnosis from a doctor, often confirmed by:
- Physical exam
- X-rays (showing joint space narrowing or bone changes)
- Sometimes MRI or blood tests (especially for rheumatoid arthritis)
Can You Still Be Active With Knee Arthritis?
Yes, and in fact—you should be.
Regular movement helps lubricate the joint, strengthen muscles around the knee, and prevent further stiffness. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, biking, and yoga can be incredibly helpful.
Avoid high-impact activities like running or deep squats if they trigger pain. Always listen to your body and pace yourself.
Treatment Options
Living with knee arthritis doesn’t mean you’re destined for surgery. Many people manage their symptoms with a combination of:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Weight loss (even 10 pounds can reduce pressure on knees)
- Knee braces or compression sleeves
- Joint injections (cortisone or hyaluronic acid)
- Activity modification
Living with knee arthritis doesn’t mean you’re headed straight for surgery. In fact, many patients manage symptoms for years without needing a knee replacement. From lifestyle adjustments to medical procedures, there’s a wide range of options.
You’ve probably heard of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss, or joint injections like cortisone. These remain powerful first-line strategies. But there’s another option that’s changing the game for many people: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?
GAE is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that targets the root of arthritis-related knee pain: inflammation.
Using a catheter inserted through a tiny incision (usually in the groin or wrist), a specialized doctor—typically an interventional radiologist—navigates to the small arteries supplying the knee. These arteries, called genicular arteries, become overactive and inflamed in arthritis.
Once there, the doctor releases microscopic particles to reduce blood flow to the inflamed areas, calming down the joint and significantly reducing pain.
What Does GAE Feel Like? Is It Painful?
The procedure itself is typically painless, done under light sedation or local anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day, and there’s no cutting into the knee or general anesthesia involved.
Recovery is fast—many people are up and walking within hours. You might have mild soreness at the catheter site, but it’s nothing compared to the recovery from knee surgery.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
GAE is ideal for patients with:
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Moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis
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Pain that isn’t controlled with medication or therapy
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No desire for immediate knee replacement (or not medically eligible for one)
It’s also a great option for people who’ve tried injections but didn’t get long-lasting relief.
Important: GAE is not yet offered at every hospital or orthopedic practice. You’ll need to find a center that specializes in interventional radiology or endovascular treatments. USA Pain Center offers GAE and diagnosis and candidacy.
How Effective Is It?
Studies have shown that up to 70–80% of patients report pain relief after GAE. Some feel better within weeks, while others see gradual improvement over a few months. The best part? The benefits often last a year or more, and the procedure can be repeated if needed.
While GAE won’t reverse cartilage loss, it calms the inflammation driving pain and stiffness—which for many patients, is enough to delay or even avoid surgery.
Why Consider GAE Before Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement is a major surgery with significant downtime, risks, and rehab. While it’s absolutely the right move for some, others may not be ready—or able—to go through that process.
GAE offers a middle-ground solution: longer-lasting relief than injections, but far less invasive than surgery. It’s not a cure, but it can significantly improve quality of life.
Wrap-Up: Modern Options for a Common Problem
Knee arthritis is no longer a one-path journey to the operating table. From lifestyle changes and physical therapy to innovative treatments like Genicular Artery Embolization, there are more options than ever to get relief and stay active.
If your knee pain is keeping you from doing what you love—and conservative care isn’t cutting it—ask your doctor or orthopedic specialist about GAE. It might just be the solution you didn’t know existed.
If these no longer help, then minimally invasive procedures—or in severe cases, knee replacement—may be discussed with your knee pain specialist.