What is osteoarthritis of the knee?
Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when the cartilage in your knee joint breaks down, enabling the bones to rub together. The friction makes your knees hurt, become stiff and sometimes swell. While osteoarthritis in the knee can’t be cured, there are many treatments to slow its progress and ease your symptoms. Surgery is an option for more severe forms of osteoarthritis.
Advertisem*nt
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
How common is osteoarthritis of the knee?
Osteoarthritis of the knee is very common. Approximately 46% of people will develop it during their lifetimes.
Who is affected by osteoarthritis of the knee?
Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis of the knee. Most people develop this condition after age 40. But other factors such as injury or genetics can cause it to happen earlier.
Advertisem*nt
How does osteoarthritis in the knee affect my body?
Knee pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis in the knee, making it painful for you to jog, run, climb stairs or kneel. It can also make your knees feel stiff or swollen. Over time, osteoarthritis of the knee can change the shape of your knee joint, making your joint feel unstable or wobbly.
