Knee Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do

When your knee arthritis, a degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee breaks down, causing pain and reduced mobility. Also known as osteoarthritis of the knee, it’s not just aging—it’s wear and tear, injury, weight, and genetics all working together. This isn’t just occasional stiffness. It’s the kind of pain that makes you hesitate before standing up, avoid stairs, or skip walks because you know what comes next: burning, grinding, or locking in the joint.

Knee arthritis doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with subtle changes—maybe a creak when you stand, or pain after sitting too long. Over time, the cushioning between your thigh and shin bones wears thin. Bone rubs on bone. Inflammation kicks in. Swelling follows. You might notice it more in cold weather, after standing all day, or if you carry extra weight. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of knee arthritis, affects over 14 million adults in India alone. It’s not the same as rheumatoid arthritis, which is autoimmune. This is mechanical. It’s about use, not immune attacks.

Who’s most at risk? People over 50, those with past knee injuries, athletes with repetitive stress, and anyone with a BMI over 25. But it’s not inevitable. Many people delay surgery by managing symptoms early—through low-impact exercise, weight control, braces, or physical therapy. Knee replacement, a surgical option when pain becomes disabling and other treatments fail, is often the last step, not the first. Not everyone needs it. Some people live well for years with the right habits and tools.

What you’ll find here are real stories and facts from people who’ve been there. Posts cover who should avoid knee surgery, how to recover faster after an operation, and what alternatives exist if you’re not ready—or not a candidate—for cutting into your joint. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and why some advice sounds good but falls apart in practice. No fluff. No marketing. Just what matters when your knee is hurting and you need to know what to do next.