Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in adults over 40, and it becomes increasingly common with each passing decade. But knee pain is not simply an inevitable consequence of getting older that you have to accept. Understanding whether your pain is mechanical, inflammatory, or due to osteoarthritis helps determine the right approach and how much can be done to improve your quality of life.
What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the gradual wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in a joint. As cartilage thins, the bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of movement. It is the most common form of arthritis and most frequently affects the knees, hips, and hands. It is more common with age but is not caused solely by ageing: obesity, previous joint injury, genetics, and occupational factors all play a role.
What are the signs of knee osteoarthritis?
- Pain that is worse with activity and better with rest, especially in early stages
- Morning stiffness that usually eases within 30 minutes (longer stiffness suggests inflammatory arthritis)
- A creaking, grating, or crunching sensation (crepitus) when moving the knee
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Reduced range of movement, difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
- Pain on the inside of the knee (most common), outside, or under the kneecap
- The knee may feel unstable or give way
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
| Feature | Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Wear and tear of cartilage | Autoimmune (immune attacks joints) |
| Age of onset | Usually over 50 | Any age, peak 30 to 60 |
| Morning stiffness | Under 30 minutes | More than 45 to 60 minutes |
| Joints affected | Weight-bearing joints, often one side worse | Symmetrical, small joints of hands and feet also affected |
| Systemic symptoms | None | Fatigue, fever, weight loss possible |
| Blood tests | Usually normal | Elevated inflammatory markers, RF or anti-CCP positive |
What non-surgical treatments help knee arthritis?
- Weight management: every kilogram of weight lost reduces knee joint load by 4 kilograms with each step
- Physiotherapy and targeted strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings
- Low-impact aerobic exercise such as swimming, cycling, or walking
- Heat or cold packs for symptom relief
- Supportive footwear and knee bracing where appropriate
- Pain relief medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Intra-articular injections may provide relief in some cases and are discussed with your orthopaedic surgeon
When is knee replacement surgery considered?
Knee replacement surgery is generally considered when pain significantly limits daily activities, when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief, and when X-rays show advanced joint damage. It is an elective procedure with excellent outcomes for appropriately selected patients. Surgery is arranged with our accredited partner hospitals and is not performed at the clinic. Your surgeon will discuss all options with you in detail before any decision is made.
A word from our clinic
I am Dr. Girishchandra Bartakke, orthopaedic consultant at Prudent International Health Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune. Knee arthritis is one of the conditions where early, structured management genuinely changes the trajectory of the disease. Many patients avoid or delay surgery for years with the right physiotherapy and weight management plan. If your knees are limiting your life, come and see us. We are open all 7 days, 9 AM to 9 PM. Call or WhatsApp +91 70287 22200.
