Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative condition where the cartilage, or the cushion between bones, wears down over time. As the cartilage erodes, the bones in the knee joint can rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) gradually wears down the cartilage in the knee joint, causing mobility issues and a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Aching or throbbing pain 
• Swelling or tenderness
• Stiffness
• Loss of flexibility and stability
• Locking and popping
• Reduced range of motion

While self-care, physical therapy, and medication can manage symptoms early on, they may become less effective as the condition progresses. For those in advanced stages of OA, minimally invasive, innovative treatments like genicular artery embolization (GAE) offer a promising solution for long-term pain relief and improved joint function.

If chronic knee or joint pain is affecting your quality of life, take the first step toward relief by requesting a consultation today.

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Common Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can cause a variety of symptoms that differ in severity from person to person. Even if you aren’t experiencing all these symptoms, recognizing the signs you do have is important for effectively managing OA.

Aching or Throbbing Pain

Persistent knee pain can be a debilitating condition that disrupts daily activities and impacts overall quality of life. When pain worsens with movement and doesn’t improve with traditional treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections, it may indicate a more complex issue that requires advanced care. A minimally invasive treatment like genicular artery embolization (GAE) could offer long-term relief.

Chronic knee pain can present in various ways, signaling different underlying issues. Common sensations associated with persistent knee pain symptoms include:

• Aching or Dull Pain: Ongoing discomfort often triggered or worsened by movement. 
• Sharp Pain: Sudden, stabbing sensation during motion or when bearing weight.
• Burning Sensation: A sign of inflammation that can signify deeper tissue irritation.

These symptoms may fluctuate in intensity and duration and can be accompanied by weakness, instability, or numbness. If persistent knee pain impacts your life, consulting with a knee specialist can provide a precise diagnosis and guide you toward effective treatment options.

Is Knee Pain Serious? 

While you can temporarily manage your knee pain symptoms at home, certain warning signs indicate the need for professional care. Consider scheduling a consultation if:

• Pain is persistent or severe.
• Pain is accompanied by swelling or stiffness.
• Pain is associated with a popping or grating sensation.

Identifying the cause of your discomfort and exploring possible treatment options, including advanced solutions like GAE, can minimize symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Knee Swelling or Tenderness

Swelling and tenderness in the knee can make the knee feel full, puffy, and more sensitive to touch, making daily activities difficult. This symptom often results from fluid buildup and inflammation in the knee joint.

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes knee joint inflammation as cartilage in the knee breaks down, leading to swelling and tenderness in the joint. Bone spurs (bony growths) can also put pressure on the joint and worsen these symptoms.

The swelling or tenderness can intensify when the swollen knee is touched or pressed. These symptoms can limit your range of motion, making it painful to bend or straighten the knee, and may significantly interfere with daily movement.

Knee Stiffness

Knee stiffness can make it difficult to move the joint, especially after periods of inactivity, such as sitting, sleeping or standing still. This stiffness is often the result of inflammation and the thickening of joint tissues, which can limit movement and cause discomfort.

• Morning Stiffness: Difficulty moving the knee upon waking, often referred to as “morning stiffness,” can make getting out of bed or taking the first few steps of your day challenging.
• Post-Inactivity Stiffness: Long periods of sitting or standing still may lead to stiffness, making it challenging to walk or bend the joints.
• Pain with Movement: Moving a stiff knee can cause pain, especially when bending or straightening the joint.
• Gradual Improvement: Stiffness usually lessens as the day progresses, but may return later or after rest periods.

Inflammation of the synovium, or the tissue that lines the knee joint, is a common cause of stiffness with osteoarthritis. Knee joint stiffness can also result from bone spurs that further restrict movement.

Loss of Knee Flexibility and Stability

As a result of knee osteoarthritis, the knee can change shape and flexibility and stability can be lost.. The altered joint causes misalignment, leading to knee joint instability, making it feel wobbly or unsteady when bearing weight.

The knee instability caused by osteoarthritis can significantly reduce the knee’s range of motion. Activities like climbing stairs, kneeling, or bending and twisting the knee can become complex and painful.

Knee Grinding

Knee osteoarthritis can alter the shape of the knee joint, causing the bones to rub together, leading to knee grinding, medically known as crepitus. This friction often results in grating, popping, cracking, or clicking sounds when you move your knee. Another common symptom is the feeling of the knee joint locking, where it may seem like the joint is stuck or catching in place.

Knee joint locking typically occurs when fragments of cartilage or bone break off due to arthritis and become trapped in the joint, disrupting normal movement.

Limited Range of Motion in Knee

Aching or throbbing pain and loss of flexibility can significantly limit the range of motion in the knee joint. Stiffness and swelling can reduce the knee’s ability to bend or straighten fully, making everyday tasks more difficult. These issues are often felt during activities like bending, kneeling, squatting, or twisting and turning the knee. The discomfort can also persist during everyday movements.

It is possible to regain range of motion in an arthritic knee. While osteoarthritis often causes stiffness and reduced flexibility, management and treatment can help improve the knee’s range of motion.

Signs of Knee Osteoarthritis

• Swelling after activity: Joint swelling following prolonged walking or standing.
• Warmth in the knee: A feeling of warmth or heat in the knee joint can indicate inflammation.
• Decreased coordination: Trouble with balance, especially on uneven surfaces or stairs.
• Bone spurs: Bony growths around the knee joint that can be felt or seen in advanced osteoarthritis.
• Pain at night: Persistent knee pain that worsens during the night, even while resting.

Stages of Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis (OA) knee symptoms often begin mild and gradually worsen over time. Regardless of OA’s progression, these symptoms can impact daily life. Understanding how osteoarthritis (OA) knee symptoms change over time can help determine when to seek medical help.

Early-Stage Osteoarthritis

In its early stages, OA may cause mild discomfort and stiffness in the knee, especially after activity. Pain tends to be intermittent and may only occur after extended standing, walking, or physical activity periods. Swelling and knee joint tenderness may occur occasionally, but this is generally manageable with pain medication or physical therapy.

Moderate Osteoarthritis

Pain becomes more common and may occur during rest or while performing basic activities. Stiffness and swelling often increase, and joint movement may feel more restricted. The knee may feel weak or unstable, especially while climbing stairs or walking on uneven surfaces. Moderate osteoarthritis (OA) knee symptoms can interfere with daily tasks, making it harder to enjoy regular activities.

Advanced Osteoarthritis

In advanced OA, knee pain typically becomes chronic and severe, disrupting everyday activities like walking, bending, or standing for extended periods. The knee joint may show signs of damage, such as deformity or misalignment. Swelling, warmth, and stiffness become persistent, and walking or even standing may become difficult due to the knee joint’s limited range of motion and severe discomfort. At this stage, walking aids like canes or braces may be needed.

When to Seek Medical Help for Knee OA Symptoms

• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter treatments.
• Trouble walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.
• Knee joint instability or a sensation of the knee “giving way” or locking.
• Visible changes in knee joint shape or alignment.
• Swelling that doesn’t subside after a few days or after activity.
• Difficulty moving the knee or a noticeable decrease in range of motion.
• Pain that impacts sleep or quality of life.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment advice.

How USA Pain Centers Can Help

USA Pain Centers specializes in providing a minimally invasive, non-surgical solution for managing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Our goal is to help you find relief from pain, improve mobility, and delay the need for surgery, all through advanced, innovative treatments.

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

USA Pain Center specializes in genicular artery embolization (GAE). This minimally invasive procedure targets and blocks the abnormal blood vessels that contribute to pain and inflammation in the knee joint. By cutting off the blood supply to these vessels, GAE effectively reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and improves joint function, helping you regain mobility and improve quality of life.

GAE can delay the need for more invasive surgical interventions, providing a viable option for those looking to manage knee osteoarthritis pain and discomfort.

See If You Are a Candidate for GAE

FAQs About Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Is knee pain serious?

Knee pain can be severe as it may indicate underlying issues, particularly if it is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or difficulty moving the knee joint. If these symptoms interfere with daily activities, seeing a specialist for evaluation and treatment options is important.

Can I manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms at home?

Yes, you can temporarily manage symptoms at home with self-care techniques. These include applying ice to reduce swelling, using compression, taking NSAIDs for pain relief, and engaging in low-impact exercises to maintain joint mobility and strength.

What are the best non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis?

One of the best non-surgical treatments for knee OA is genicular artery embolization (GAE), which reduces pain and inflammation by blocking abnormal blood vessels in the knee. Other options include physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing.  

How do I prevent knee osteoarthritis from worsening?

To prevent the progression of knee OA, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress, engage in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling, and seek early intervention to manage symptoms before they worsen.

Ready to take the next step in finding relief from your knee OA? Schedule a consultation with our expert OA team today by calling 855-521-9500. 

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