Top Signs and Symptoms: What Does Arthritis in the Knee Feel Like?
Arthritis in the knee can cause a variety of signs and symptoms that can greatly impact a person’s daily life. Understanding these signs and symptoms is crucial for early detection and effective management of the condition. This article will explore the top signs and symptoms of knee arthritis and what they feel like.
Pain
Pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals with knee arthritis. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be present both at rest and during movement. It is often described as a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation. The intensity of the pain can vary depending on the severity of the arthritis and the activities being performed.
Sometimes, people say it’s worse at night and prevents them from sleeping. Other times, they talk about pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing, as well as pain that is aggravated by activities such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
Swelling
Swelling in the knee joint is another common symptom of arthritis. The knee may appear visibly swollen and feel tender to the touch. The swelling is often caused by inflammation in the joint, which can result from the breakdown of cartilage and the body’s immune response.
In some cases, the swelling may come and go, while in others, it may persist for longer periods of time. Swelling can also be a sign of other knee conditions, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Stiffness
Stiffness in the knee joint is a hallmark symptom of arthritis. Individuals with knee arthritis often experience difficulty in bending or straightening the knee fully. The stiffness is typically more pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and it may improve with movement and gentle stretching exercises.
Prolonged stiffness can lead to muscle weakness and further limitations in mobility. Therefore, addressing knee stiffness through appropriate treatment and exercise regimens is crucial.
Cracking or Popping Sounds
Many individuals with knee arthritis report hearing cracking or popping sounds when they move their knee joint. These sounds, known as crepitus, can occur due to the roughening of the joint surfaces or the presence of loose fragments within the joint.
While crepitus itself may not be painful, it can be a cause of concern for some individuals. It is important to note that not everyone with knee arthritis experiences crepitus, and its presence or absence does not necessarily indicate the severity of the condition.
Limited Range of Motion
Knee arthritis can lead to a limited range of motion in the affected joint. Individuals may find it challenging to fully extend or flex their knee, resulting in a decreased ability to perform activities that require a wide range of knee movement.
The limited range of motion can be caused by factors such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and the structural changes that occur in the joint due to arthritis. Physical therapy and targeted exercises can help improve the range of motion and restore functional abilities.
Warmth or Redness
Inflammation in the knee joint can cause the skin over the affected area to become warm and red. This warmth and redness are signs of increased blood flow and immune activity in response to arthritis.
It is important to note that warmth and redness can also be signs of infection or other underlying conditions. Therefore, talking to a medical professional in person is usually the best solution.
Weakness
Individuals with knee arthritis may experience weakness in the muscles surrounding the knee joint. This weakness can be a result of disuse, pain, or the structural changes that occur in the joint.
Weakness in the knee muscles can further contribute to difficulties in walking, standing, and performing daily activities. Strengthening exercises and physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and enhance overall knee function.
Instability
Arthritis in the knee can lead to a feeling of instability or a sense that the knee may give way. This instability can be caused by structural changes in the joint, such as cartilage erosion and bone spurs’ development.
People with knee instability may experience episodes of knee buckling or feeling unsteady, which can significantly impact their mobility and quality of life. To improve stability and prevent falls, assistive devices, such as braces or canes, may be recommended.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony outgrowths that can develop around the edges of the joint affected by arthritis. These spurs can cause pain, limit joint movement, and contribute to joint deformity.
While bone spurs themselves may not be painful, they can irritate surrounding tissues and exacerbate the symptoms of knee arthritis. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the bone spurs and restore joint function.
Crepitus
Crepitus refers to the sensation or sound of grinding or grating inside the knee joint. It can occur when the roughened joint surfaces rub against each other during movement.
While crepitus itself may not be painful, it can be a source of discomfort and concern for individuals with knee arthritis. It is important to note that the presence of crepitus does not necessarily indicate the severity of the arthritis or the need for immediate intervention.
Locking of the Knee
Some individuals with knee arthritis may experience episodes of the knee joint locking or getting stuck in a certain position. This locking can occur due to the displacement of loose fragments within the joint or the structural changes that occur in the joint.
Locking of the knee can be painful and significantly limit mobility. In some cases, manual manipulation or surgical intervention may be necessary to unlock the joint and restore normal function.
Difficulty Walking or Standing
Knee arthritis can make walking or standing for prolonged periods challenging. The pain, stiffness, and instability associated with the condition can greatly impact an individual’s ability to perform these activities comfortably.
Difficulty walking or standing can lead to a decrease in physical activity levels and a decline in overall fitness. It is important to address these difficulties through appropriate treatment, assistive devices, and modifications to the environment to maintain mobility and independence.
Tenderness to Touch
The affected knee joint may be tender to touch in individuals with knee arthritis. The tenderness can be localized to specific areas of the joint or spread throughout the entire joint.
Tenderness to touch can be a result of inflammation, nerve irritation, or the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. It is important to avoid applying excessive pressure or force to the tender areas to prevent further discomfort or injury.
Muscle Atrophy
Over time, knee arthritis can lead to muscle atrophy or the wasting away of the muscles surrounding the knee joint. The decreased use of these muscles due to pain and limited mobility can contribute to their weakening and shrinking.
Muscle atrophy can further exacerbate the symptoms of knee arthritis and lead to difficulties in performing daily activities. Physical therapy and targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles can help prevent and reverse muscle atrophy.
Joint Deformity
Joint deformity can occur in advanced stages of knee arthritis. The breakdown of cartilage, the formation of bone spurs, and structural changes in the joint can lead to alterations in the joint’s shape and alignment.
Joint deformity can cause further pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the deformity and restore joint function.
Fatigue
Individuals with knee arthritis may experience fatigue or a general feeling of tiredness. The chronic pain, limited mobility, and the body’s immune response to the arthritis can contribute to this fatigue.
Fatigue can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and ability to engage in physical and social activities. It is important to manage fatigue through a balanced lifestyle, adequate rest, and the appropriate management of the arthritis symptoms.
Difficulty Climbing Stairs
Climbing stairs can be particularly challenging for individuals with knee arthritis. The repetitive impact and increased load on the knee joint during stair climbing can exacerbate pain, stiffness, and instability.
Difficulty climbing stairs can limit an individual’s access to certain environments and activities. Modifications to the environment, such as the installation of handrails or the use of assistive devices, may be necessary to improve safety and accessibility.
Difficulty Bending or Straightening the Knee
Knee arthritis can make it difficult to fully bend or straighten the affected knee joint. The pain, stiffness, and structural changes in the joint can limit the joint’s ability to move through its full range of motion.
Difficulty bending or straightening the knee can greatly impact an individual’s ability to perform activities that require these movements, such as sitting down, standing up, or getting in and out of a car. Physical therapy and targeted exercises can help improve flexibility and restore functional abilities.
Numbness or Tingling
In some cases, individuals with knee arthritis may experience numbness or tingling sensations in the affected knee or surrounding areas. These sensations can be caused by nerve compression or irritation due to the structural changes in the joint.
Numbness or tingling can be a source of discomfort and may indicate the need for further evaluation by a healthcare professional. It is important to differentiate these symptoms from other underlying conditions to ensure appropriate management.
Feeling of Grinding or Grating Inside the Knee
Individuals with knee arthritis may experience a feeling of grinding or grating inside the knee joint during movement. This sensation can occur due to the roughened joint surfaces rubbing against each other or the presence of loose fragments within the joint.
The feeling of grinding or grating can cause concern for individuals and may contribute to pain and discomfort. It is important to note that not everyone with knee arthritis experiences this sensation, and its presence or absence does not necessarily indicate the severity of the condition.
To sum it all up, arthritis in the knee can manifest through a variety of signs and symptoms that can greatly impact an individual’s daily life. From pain and swelling to stiffness and limited range of motion, understanding these symptoms is crucial for early detection and effective management of knee arthritis. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If you’re struggling with the discomfort and limitations of knee arthritis, you don’t have to endure the pain any longer. At Arthritis Knee Pain Centers, we specialize in advanced knee pain relief treatments that offer a non-surgical, opioid-free path to improved joint health.
Join the 60,000+ patients who have found relief through our innovative approach, which includes the use of advanced digital imaging and FDA-approved viscosupplementation gel injections. Our treatments are designed to increase mobility, reduce pain, delay surgery, and decrease the need for pain medications. Take the first step towards reclaiming your active lifestyle by scheduling your free screening at Arthritis Knee Pain Centers today.