Understanding Knee Arthritis and Its Associated Pain

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis affecting the knee joint, characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. It results from progressive degeneration of knee cartilage, which normally provides cushioning between the bones, and degeneration of the meniscus, which serves to absorb shock. As the condition worsens, there is increased degeneration, causing narrowing of the joint space, and ultimately leading to the complete loss of the protective cartilage cushion. When this happens, the bones of the knee joint can rub against each other, resulting in severe pain, limited mobility, significant swelling, and knee instability. Diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee is based on X-ray imaging, which typically shows signs of joint degeneration. In more advanced cases, patients may develop varus or valgus malalignment, which can be detected when the patient is standing or walking. Severity of osteoarthritis can range from mild to severe.