Knee osteoarthritis

Overview

Cartilage thins over years, and bone spurs form. Pain is often worse with stairs, standing up, or after sitting a long time.

Every pound of body weight puts about 4 pounds of force on the knees, so even small weight loss helps.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Knee pain, stiffness, or swelling
• Joints stiff after rest or in the morning

Less common

• Grinding or clicking
• Knee giving way
• Morning stiffness under 30 minutes

Look up a symptom: Joints stiff after rest or in the morning · Knee locks, clicks, or grinds · Knee pain · Swollen knee

When to get medical care

Causes

Aging, past injury, extra weight, genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Over 50
• Women
• Past knee injury
• Extra weight

Possible complications

• Falls

Diagnosis

A clinician examines the knee.

Questions you may be asked

• Which activities hurt
• Past injuries

The exam

Checking swelling, motion, and grinding.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• X-ray: Shows joint space and spurs.

Treatment

Moving more, not less, helps most.

Self-care

• Exercise: walking, cycling, swimming, and leg strengthening
• Lose extra weight
• Use heat before activity and ice after
• Try a cane in the opposite hand or a knee brace
• Wear cushioned shoes

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Physical therapy, steroid shots, or knee replacement for severe pain.

Prevention

To protect your knees:

• Stay active
• Healthy weight
• Strong thigh muscles

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Living with it

• Stay active with walking, swimming, or biking.
• Keep a healthy weight to ease joint strain.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Arthritis Foundation: Helpline, exercise programs, and online community.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Most people manage well with exercise and treatment.

Knee replacements last 15 to 20 years or more.

Myths and facts

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Would physical therapy help?
• Am I a candidate for a knee replacement?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Knee osteoarthritis