Osteoarthritis of the Knee - Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee?

If you have one or more of these symptoms in your knee, you may have OA:

• Aches and pains, especially with motion
• Stiffness, especially in the morning and when standing up
• "Grating" or "catching" sensations
• Limited motion
• Redness and swelling

If you experience any of the above, talk to your healthcare provider.

How does osteoarthritis damage the knee?

Normally, smooth, firm tissue called cartilage covers and protects the ends of your bones. The fluid in the joint contains a substance called hyaluronate (hi-al-yur-ON-ate), which acts as a "shock absorber" and lubricant so that the knee joint can work properly.

When you have osteoarthritis of the knee:

1. The joint fluid may lose its ability to protect the joint.
2. Smooth cartilage that normally protects the ends of the knee bones may lose its cushioning effect or become pitted and frayed. Large areas of cartilage may even wear away completely, so the bones scrape painfully over each other.
3. Cartilage breakdown may cause the joint to lose its shape, and the bone ends may thicken and form bony spurs.
4. Fragments of bone or cartilage may float in the joint space, causing further damage and pain.

See your healthcare professional if you think you have OA of the knee.

Learn more about treating Osteoarthritis knee pain