Knee arthritis (osteoarthritis)
Causes, symptoms and treatment options

Knee osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It is one of the most common causes of knee pain after the age of 40 in India. Most people improve with exercise, weight control and physiotherapy; surgery is considered only when pain and stiffness limit daily life despite these measures.

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About knee arthritis

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Healthy cartilage lets the bones of the knee glide smoothly. In osteoarthritis the cartilage thins and roughens, the bone underneath thickens, and small bony spurs form. The joint becomes painful, stiff and sometimes swollen. It usually develops slowly over years.

  • More common with age, in women and after menopause
  • Excess weight puts extra load on the knees
  • Past knee injuries and bow legs raise the risk
  • Both knees are often affected
  • Symptoms can come and go in flare-ups

Exercise

Strong thigh muscles protect the knee.

Weight control

Each kilogram lost reduces knee load.

Physiotherapy

Exercises, heat and movement training.

Surgery when needed

Knee replacement for advanced arthritis.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of knee arthritis

Symptoms usually start slowly and worsen over months or years.

Pain on use

Pain while walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair.

Morning stiffness

Stiffness that eases within half an hour.

Swelling

Puffiness around the knee, especially after activity.

Grating or cracking

A crunching feeling when bending the knee.

Bowing of the legs

The knees may bend outwards over time.

Reduced walking

Shorter walking distance; difficulty sitting cross-legged or on the floor.

Night pain

Pain at rest in advanced arthritis.

Locking or giving way

The knee may catch or buckle.

See a doctor promptly if the knee is hot, red and very swollen, or you have fever with knee pain, or you cannot bear weight after an injury. These need urgent assessment. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How it is diagnosed

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, supported by an X-ray.

Examination

Pain points, swelling, movement, alignment and walking.

Standing X-ray

Shows joint space narrowing and bony spurs.

Blood tests

Only if another type of arthritis is suspected.

MRI

Not routinely needed; used for injuries or unclear cases.

Treatment

Treatment options

Treatment moves step by step, from simple measures to surgery when needed.

Exercise and weight

Regular exercise is the most effective long-term treatment. Strengthening the thigh muscles reduces pain and improves walking.

Straight-leg raises and quadriceps exercisesWalking, cycling or swimmingWeight loss if overweight

Daily tips

  • Use a chair instead of sitting on the floor
  • A walking stick in the opposite hand on bad days
  • Supportive footwear

Avoid

  • Long periods of squatting or kneeling
  • Climbing many stairs during flare-ups
  • Over-the-counter painkillers for long periods without advice
Everyday care

Living with knee arthritis

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Keep moving

Short, frequent walks are better than long rest. Pain during exercise that settles within a couple of hours is usually safe.

Healthy weight

Losing even a few kilograms reduces knee pain for many people.

Flare-ups

Use ice or warm packs as advised, rest for a day or two and then restart exercises.

Contact us urgently if

  • A hot, red, very swollen knee or fever
  • Sudden inability to bear weight
  • Calf pain and swelling, especially after surgery
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about knee arthritis

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Complete rest is the right treatment.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Too much rest weakens muscles and worsens pain. Regular, gentle exercise helps.

Myth

“Arthritis means I will need surgery.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Many people manage well for years without surgery.

Myth

“Oil massage cures arthritis.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Massage may relax muscles but does not repair cartilage.

Your joint care team

Orthopaedic and physiotherapy team

Orthopaedics Knee replacement Physiotherapy
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Previous knee X-rays or MRI
  • A list of medicines, including painkillers
  • Insurance or Ayushman card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can knee arthritis be reversed?

Damaged cartilage does not grow back, but pain and function can improve a lot with exercise, weight control and physiotherapy.

When is knee replacement needed?

When pain, stiffness and deformity limit daily life despite other treatment. Your surgeon will discuss timing with you.

Are knee injections helpful?

They can give short-term relief in some people. They do not cure arthritis.

Is walking good for arthritis?

Yes, regular walking within comfort, along with strengthening exercises, is helpful.

Do I need an MRI?

Usually not. A standing X-ray and examination are enough in most cases.

Glossary

Words you may hear

CartilageSmooth tissue covering the ends of bones in a joint.
OsteophytesBony spurs that form at the edges of an arthritic joint.
QuadricepsThe large muscle at the front of the thigh.
TKRTotal knee replacement.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Orthopaedics Knee replacement Osteoporosis Physiotherapy Health library

Knee pain slowing you down?

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Orthopedic & Joint replacement, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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