Moderate Severityjoint

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder worldwide and the leading cause of disability in older adults. It involves progressive loss of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, synovial inflammation, and osteophyte formation in the knee joint.

Symptoms

  • Gradual onset of knee pain, worse with activity
  • Morning stiffness lasting <30 minutes
  • Crepitus with movement
  • Joint swelling and effusion
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Varus/valgus deformity in advanced disease
  • Loss of function and difficulty with stairs

Causes

  • Age-related cartilage degeneration
  • Obesity (increased mechanical loading)
  • Prior knee injury (ACL, meniscal tears)
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Occupational repetitive loading
  • Malalignment

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Clinicians typically use a combination of:

  • Clinical examination — joint line tenderness, crepitus, reduced ROM
  • Weight-bearing X-ray (AP, lateral, sunrise views)
  • Kellgren-Lawrence grading system
  • MRI for early or equivocal cases
  • Joint aspiration if effusion present

Treatment Approaches

Conservative: Weight management, exercise therapy (quadriceps strengthening), knee orthoses
Pharmacotherapy: Topical NSAIDs, oral NSAIDs, duloxetine, intra-articular corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid
Interventional: Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation
Surgical: Total knee arthroplasty (end-stage)

🚨 Red Flags

Seek urgent medical evaluation if you experience any of the following:

  • ⚠️ Hot, swollen joint with fever (septic arthritis)
  • ⚠️ Unexplained weight loss
  • ⚠️ Night pain at rest
  • ⚠️ Rapid joint destruction

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome (zygapophyseal joint syndrome) is pain arising from the facet joints of the spine due to degenerative changes, injury, or inflammation. It is a common cause of chronic spinal pain and is diagnosed clinically and confirmed with diagnostic medial branch blocks.

Dr. Shahnawaz F Shah

Dr. Shahnawaz F Shah

Interventional Spine & Pain Physician

Dr. Shah specializes in the diagnosis and management of knee osteoarthritis using evidence-based approaches tailored to each patient's needs.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized evaluation and management.