Understanding Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Chronic knee pain and stiffness can be debilitating, especially when caused by osteoarthritis — a degenerative condition affecting the joints. Common among older adults and those who’ve experienced knee injuries, osteoarthritis is the most widespread form of arthritis and can significantly diminish mobility.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the nitty gritty of knee osteoarthritis, its causes, symptoms and diagnostic processes — so you can find effective treatment options and management strategies with the help of an osteoarthritis specialist.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterised by progressive articular cartilage breakdown (the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones at the joints), subchondral bone thickening and new bone formation. Without proper protection, bones begin to rub against each other, causing unwanted symptoms that can limit your range of movement. While OA can affect any joint, it is most prevalent in the hands, knees, hips, fingers, toes, lower back and neck. If left untreated, OA can worsen, potentially leading to the development of bone spurs.

Unlike auto-immune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, OA of the knee results primarily from mechanical wear and tear and biochemical changes within the joint over time.

Factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis

While researchers haven’t yet determined what triggers the breakdown of the tissues in the joints, this condition doesn’t discriminate. In fact, according to Arthritis Australia, 22% of Aussies over the age of 45 have been diagnosed with OA. Several factors can contribute to its development, including:

  • Ageing — The risk of OA increases with age as the cartilage naturally wears down over time.
  • Joint and knee injury — Previous joint or knee injuries, such as fractures, ligament damage or dislocations, can lead to abnormal joint mechanics and increase the risk of OA.
  • Weight — Excess body weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, accelerating cartilage degradation.
  • Repetitive stress injuries — Jobs or activities involving repetitive joint movements or prolonged stress on the joints can wear down cartilage over time.
  • Stress — Whether it’s long-distance running, years of team sport or an active job, excessive stress on your knees can lead to osteoarthritis.
  • Biomechanical abnormalities — Conditions like joint misalignment or abnormal gait mechanics may unevenly distribute weight and stress on joints, contributing to Osteoarthritis.
  • Genetics — If you have family members who have been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis, you may be more likely to develop it.
  • Athletes — Athletes involved in team sports or long-distance runners may be at a higher risk for osteoarthritis of the knee. That said, moderate exercise to strengthen the joints around the knee can decrease the risk of osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis can result in various symptoms, which may develop slowly and worsen over time if left untreated. While arthritis in the knees presents differently depending on each individual, the most common symptoms include:

  • Pain — A primary symptom is joint and knee pain during or after movement. The pain may be sharp or a dull ache and often worsens with activity or after periods of inactivity.
  • Joint stiffness — The knee may feel stiff, especially after waking up or sitting for an extended period. Movement can help reduce stiffness.
  • Swelling — Inflammation of the joint can cause swelling, making the knee appear larger than normal.
  • Tenderness — The joints around your knee may feel tender when you apply pressure to or near it.
  • Reduced range of motion — Difficulty in fully bending or straightening the knee can occur due to pain and stiffness.
  • Grating or scraping sensations — A feeling of grinding, cracking or popping (crepitus) when moving the knee, caused by roughened cartilage surfaces rubbing against each other.
  • Bone spurs — Extra bits of bone (osteophytes) may form around the knee joint, which can be felt as hard lumps.
  • Joint deformities — Advanced or severe cases of OA can lead to joint deformities, which can result in a bow-legged or knock-kneed appearance.
  • Difficulty performing daily activities — Tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or standing up from a seated position may become challenging.
  • Fatigue — The chronic pain and limited mobility linked to OA can cause overall fatigue and reduce energy levels.

If you experience the above symptoms, it’s imperative to consult an osteoarthritis specialist or healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention and consistent osteoarthritis knee treatment can help manage symptoms and comfortably get you back on your feet.

Treatment with an osteoarthritis specialist

Following a diagnosis, your osteoarthritis specialist will develop a personalised treatment plan with the aim of providing effective relief. Expert sports podiatrists emphasise patient education and utilise evidence-based treatment methods to ease pain and help you achieve the best long-term results. They should guide you in proper at-home care and management strategies for OA, including techniques to prevent further injury — such as teaching how to squat correctly to negate misalignment.

Since excess weight can aggravate OA symptoms, specialists may recommend dietary improvements and knee-friendly exercise programs alongside pain management medications to support the treatment plan.

The Podiatry First advantage

Podiatry First’s registered podiatrists offer the most advanced, evidence-based solutions for osteoarthritis knee treatment. Common therapies include:

  • Biomechanical interventions
  • Intra-articular corticosteroid injections
  • Land-based and aquatic exercises
  • Self-management strategies
  • Strength training
  • Mobility aids
  • Both oral and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

It’s important to note that results from the above therapies can be inconsistent, so our osteoarthritis specialists bring an innovative solution to the treatment table — Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). Recent studies have investigated the efficacy of ESWT in treating osteoarthritis, finding that this non-invasive option can improve knee function and effectively reduce pain with a 95% success rate.

Research also indicates promising results in alleviating other osteoarthritis symptoms, potentially slowing disease progression compared to traditional non-surgical interventions. So, if you’ve been diagnosed, are suffering from chronic knee pain, have tried other treatment methods and wish to explore viable alternatives to surgery, our musculoskeletal sports podiatrists can help.

Start your recovery journey with our expert sports podiatrists

Ready to take the first step towards pain relief? Early detection is key, and our licensed sports podiatrists are here to get you back on your feet. Following a medical diagnosis, we will provide you with a personalised treatment, prevention and management plan that includes pain-relieving exercises, massages, preventative advice and non-surgical alternatives like ESWT. Contact us today to book a consultation at one of our clinics in Sydney’s CBD, Miranda or Bondi Junction.

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