Knee Pain Health Channel

If you're experiencing frequent pain or stiffness, it's important to find out why - because it may be a form of arthritis.

There are many types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. But the most common type is osteoarthritis (OA), which creates a loss of cartilage and damages the cushioning fluid in the knee joint. The following information can provide you with more insight into OA of the knee, the symptoms, and how to know if you're at risk. But most important, be sure to talk to your doctor to find out for sure what is causing your knee pain.

What is Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a disease that causes a breakdown of the cartilage and a reduction in the effectiveness of the joint fluid. This can make bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joint. By contrast, in a healthy knee the cartilage and lubricating joint fluid protect and cushion the bones, making moving and bending easy.

OA is the most common joint condition worldwide. In America alone, more than 21 million people suffer from osteoarthritis; more than 14 million of those are estimated to have OA of the knee. Affecting the mobility and flexibility of your joints, OA can be very mild or so severe that it limits your everyday activities.

What Are the Symptoms?

OA of the knee usually develops slowly and gradually worsens over time. Symptoms can develop in one or both knees, and the pain can range from mild to very severe. You may experience:

• Pain during movement and even at rest
• A grating sensation in the joint during movement
• Stiffness after periods of rest
• Joint swelling
• Loss of range of movement
• Loss of coordination
• Weakened posture due to pain and stiffness