Advice on Knee Arthritis
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Injury advice > Knee Injuries > Knee Arthritis

Arthritis of the Knee (osteoarthritis)

What is osteoarthritis?

Where bones come into contact with each other the area is covered in a smooth connective tissue called cartilage.

Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows for smooth movement within the joint. The synovial membrane in the joint produces synovial fluid that lubricates the joint.

As osteoarthritis degenerates the cartilage gets thinner and can even disappear completely.

In addition, the bones themselves become thicker and may form bony “spurs”. Associated with these changes is the inflammation of the synovial membrane or thin lining which surrounds the knee joint to keep the synovial fluid or lubrication in place.

This condition can affect any joint but is most common in weight bearing joints such as the knee and hip.

General information on Osteoarthritis of the Knee

  • This diseaseof the knee is common in people over 50 years of age, particularly women. It can affect either one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) sides of the knee joint however it occurs more commonly on the inner (medial) aspect of the knee.
  • Previous injury to the knee is a strong indicator of this condition resulting in the future. People who play strong contact sports are at a greater risk.
  • Symptoms are known to develop slowly over a number of years.

Knee Anatomy

The knee joint itself is made up of the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). On the surface of the each of these bones is articular cartilage which allows smooth movement of the joint. In addition, the knee has two extra layers of cartilage known as menisci that aid the stability of the knee.

  • Osteoarthritis leads to degeneration of the knee cartilage and can cause pain, swelling and reduced functionality of the knee.

Causes of Osteoarthritis in the knee

  • If the medial knee has been acutely injured eg. meniscal or ligament trauma.
  • Long term strenuaous use of the knee joint.
  • Previous fracture at that site of the knee.
  • Obesity
  • Genetic (hereditary) factors.

What are the symptoms of knee arthritis?

  • The joint will ache particularly with movement
  • There may be inflammation of the joint
  • Stiffness in a joint, particularly in the morning. This usually decreases with movement.
  • A crunching or grinding sound (crepitus) during the movement of the joint

Useful Products:

Please the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Arthritis of the Knee

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