Knee Arthritis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

Three bones meet at the knee joint. Covering the ends of these bones is cartilage, a strong, smooth, rubbery substance that allows the bones to glide over one another when you bend or straighten your knee. The cartilage surfaces are coated by a thin film of lubricating fluid, known as synovial fluid. Thanks to synovial fluid, a normal joint moves with far less friction than ice moving on ice.

The most common type of arthritis in the knee, osteoarthritis, is caused by a gradual breakdown of cartilage. As the cartilage erodes, the bones ultimately rub against each other, causing pain, knee swelling, and stiffness. Though commonly associated with aging, this joint degeneration can affect anyone. 

Athletes, particularly those who play high-impact collision sports that place tremendous stress on their knees and put them at risk for injury, are at risk for developing osteoarthritis later in life.  Knee arthritis can be debilitating, and there is no cure. However, there are ways to treat and manage arthritic pain so that you can remain active.

 

What causes Knee Arthritis?

Knee arthritis can develop due to joint cartilage breakdown from traumatic injuries, repetitive stress, advancing age, or excess body weight. Athletes in high-impact or contact sports are particularly at risk, as repeated force on the knee accelerates cartilage wear.

• How the Condition Occurs: Cartilage in the knee gradually wears down due to repetitive stress, trauma, or aging, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced joint function.
• Common Everyday Causes: Daily activities such as climbing stairs, standing for long periods, improper footwear, or previous knee injuries can contribute to arthritis development over time.

Athletes, particularly those who participate in high-impact collision sports that repeatedly put significant contact stress on the knee (especially at elite levels), are prone to developing knee arthritis. Such sports include:

• Long-distance running: Repetitive impact on the knees over time contributes to cartilage wear.
• Soccer: Sudden stops, twists, and collisions stress knee joints.
• Wrestling: Frequent falls and joint pressure accelerate cartilage breakdown.
• Weight-lifting: Heavy lifting can overload the knees and surrounding structures.
• Tennis: Quick lateral movements and pivots place repeated strain on the knee.
• Football: Tackles and high-impact contact can damage cartilage.
• Rugby: Continuous collisions and knee twisting increase joint stress.

Symptoms

Common knee arthritis symptoms typically include activity-related pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint. Other frequent signs include:

• Pain after intense activity or inactivity: Discomfort may appear after exercise or prolonged rest.
• Knee joint stiffness improves with movement: Gentle motion can temporarily ease stiffness.
• Stiffness that is worse in the morning: Morning stiffness may last several minutes to hours.
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee: Range of motion may be limited.
• Feeling that your knee is weak or buckling: Instability can occur during walking or standing.
• A sense of catching, popping, or grinding with movement of the knee: Audible or palpable sensations indicate cartilage wear.

Non-operative treatment

Although arthritis has no cure and the joint changes are irreversible, arthritis in the knees is initially treated with non-surgical methods aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and slowing progression. Treatment options may include:

• Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers like Tylenol or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Lifestyle changes: Losing weight can decrease stress on the knee joint.
• Limiting activities that aggravate the knee: Avoiding movements like climbing stairs, squatting, or pivoting reduces pain and joint strain.
• Physical therapy: Strengthening surrounding muscles and improving flexibility enhances stability and range of motion.
• Wearing a brace: Supports the knee, providing stability and reducing stress during daily activities.
• Cortisone injections may help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. 
• Hyaluronic acid injections can improve joint lubrication and may help reduce stiffness and pain in some patients. 
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use the patient’s own blood products and may help reduce pain and improve function in select cases.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Knee Arthritis

Surgical Treatment

If non-surgical treatments for knee arthritis do not adequately relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options vary based on the severity and location of joint damage and may range from minimally invasive procedures, such as arthroscopy in select cases, to partial or total knee replacement for more advanced arthritis. Your doctor will help determine the most appropriate surgical option based on your symptoms, activity level, and the condition of the joint.