What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative joint condition where cartilage that cushions the knee surface progressively breaks down. As cartilage thins, bones begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation, pain, and reduced flexibility. This creates difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, and routine daily activities.
Also known as knee arthritis, knee cartilage wear, or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis develops slowly over time and needs supervised care for best results. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is autoimmune, OA is mechanical and age-related.
As cartilage damage progresses, knee osteoarthritis can interfere with routine function, including:
- Difficulty walking long distances or standing for extended periods
- Pain and stiffness after waking up or sitting
- Clicking or grinding sounds during movement
- Sleep disruption due to pain
- Reduced ability to exercise or perform household tasks
Without appropriate non-surgical osteoarthritis knee treatment, these limitations may persist and progressively worsen.
Understanding the Knee Joint
The knee joint contains cartilage surfaces that allow smooth movement and absorb shock during walking, running, and bending. In an OA knee, this cartilage slowly wears away, reducing the joint’s protective cushioning. The result leads to increased friction, bone spur formation, and inflammation, which can further restrict mobility and comfort.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is not only a cartilage issue; it affects the entire joint, including the meniscus, ligaments, and bone surfaces. Early intervention helps slow progression and maintain joint function.
Osteoarthritis Knee Grades (Severity)
Knee osteoarthritis is classified into four grades based on cartilage condition:
Stage 1
Early Degeneration
There is a slight softening or roughness in the cartilage. Pain is occasional and manageable, especially after activity.
Stage 2
Mild Cartilage Wear
Joint space begins to narrow. Discomfort increases with movement or prolonged standing.
Stage 3
Moderate Cartilage Loss
Cartilage erosion and bone friction occur. Pain becomes regular, and movement feels restricted.
Stage 4
Severe Osteoarthritis
Significant cartilage loss leads to bone-on-bone contact. Pain, stiffness, and mobility restriction are persistent.
Understanding OA knee grades helps set treatment expectations and planning.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis Knee
Common symptoms include:
- Joint stiffness after rest or inactivity
- Pain during movement, especially climbing stairs
- Clicking, cracking, or grinding (crepitus) in the knee
- Reduced range of motion or flexibility
- Knee swelling or warmth after activity
- Feeling of instability or weakness
Symptoms That Need Medical Evaluation
- Pain lasting several weeks without improvement
- Stiffness that limits daily function
- Night pain that interferes with sleep regularly
- Difficulty walking due to increased pain
- Visible change in knee shape or alignment
- Recurrent swelling or locking sensation
Early evaluation improves osteoarthritis knee outcomes and slows progression.
Causes and Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis of the knee is caused by progressive cartilage wear and joint inflammation. Factors that increase risk include:
Age-related wear and tear of joint surfaces:
Previous knee injury or ligament damage:
Excess body weight increasing load on the knee:
Repetitive strain from work or sports:
Poor lower-limb alignment affecting joint pressure:
Genetics or family history of early arthritis:
Diagnosis & Assessment
Osteoarthritis knee is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and imaging.
- Assessment of pain patterns and stiffness progression
- Evaluation of joint movement and functional limitations
- Review of knee alignment, loading patterns, and gait mechanics
- X-rays to assess joint space, cartilage wear, and bone spurs
- MRI may be advised in early stages or complex casesDiagnosis guides treatment planning and helps avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.
Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments for Osteoarthritis Knee
Most patients with OA knee can be managed without surgery. Nonsurgical osteoarthritis knee treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and slowing cartilage degeneration.
The Nivaan Way
At Nivaan Pain Clinic, all advanced non-surgical treatments are performed with precision under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for accurate targeting, improved safety, and better outcomes.
Image-Guided Steroid Injections
Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)
Regenerative Medicine (PRP Therapy)
Gait & Load Redistribution Strategies
Recovery Support: Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Pain Counselling
Recovery from osteoarthritis knee is more effective when medical treatment is supported by structured care.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Nutrition Support
Pain Counselling and Emotional Support
Together, this integrated support helps patients remain active, independent, and comfortable.
When to See an Interventional Pain Specialist?
You should consult a specialist if:
- Knee pain persists for several weeks
- Stiffness continues to worsen over time
- Walking, standing, or exercise becomes difficult
- Knee alignment appears to be changing
- Daily activity or sleep is affected by pain
Early specialist care improves outcomes, delays disease progression, and helps preserve joint health.
Our Integrated Non-Surgical Care Pathway
At Nivaan Pain Clinic, osteoarthritis knee treatment follows a structured pathway:
- Comprehensive specialist assessment
- Accurate diagnosis and OA knee grading
- Personalized non-surgical treatment planning
- Guided physiotherapy and progress monitoring
Book an Appointment for Osteoarthritis Knee Treatment
If joint pain or stiffness is limiting your daily activities, early osteoarthritis knee treatment can help restore comfort, stability, and movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many patients manage symptoms successfully with non-surgical care when diagnosed early.
With structured care, improvement is often seen within weeks.
Progression varies. Early intervention slows degeneration and reduces symptom severity.
Yes. Guided physiotherapy helps protect joints without overloading them.
Yes. Early correction helps maintain long-term mobility and confidence.