Knee Arthritis (Osteoarthritis of the Knee) Knee arthritis is a condition where the cushioning cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. The most common type is Osteoarthritis. 🔎 What Happens in Knee Arthritis? Cartilage becomes thin and rough Bones rub against each other Inflammation and swelling occur Joint space gradually reduces ⚠️ Common Symptoms Knee pain (worse while walking, climbing stairs) Morning stiffness (lasting <30 minutes) Swelling around the knee Grinding or cracking sound (crepitus) Difficulty sitting cross-legged or squatting 👥 Who Is at Risk? Age above 45–50 years Obesity Previous knee injury Repeated strain (heavy work, sports) Family history 🩺 Diagnosis Clinical examination X-ray of knee joint (shows joint space narrowing) MRI (in selected cases) 🩹 Treatment Options 1️⃣ Non-Surgical Treatment (Early to Moderate Arthritis) Weight reduction Physiotherapy (quadriceps strengthening exercises) Knee brace support Pain relievers Lubrication injections Platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) 2️⃣ Surgical Treatment (Severe Arthritis) If pain is severe and daily activities are affected: Arthroscopy (limited role in arthritis) Partial Knee Replacement Total Knee Replacement (TKR) – Most effective long-term solution for advanced cases 🏃 Prevention & Care Tips Maintain healthy weight Regular low-impact exercise (walking, cycling, swimming) Avoid prolonged squatting Use supportive footwear