WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA)?
OA is the most common cause of chronic knee pain. Often, the pain is located along one or both sides of the knee. Patients may also indicate that the pain is in front of the knee, under the kneecap, or “all over”. The pain is typically dull and achy, but in severe cases can be sharp at times. The pain is typically associated with physical activity, but can also be painful when in one position for a prolonged period of time like sitting or sleeping. If there is pain in the morning, it tends to resolve upon rising but may worsen through the day with physical activity.
Other common features of OA knee pain:
- Age is typically over 40 years old.
- There can be cracking, popping, or catching sensations in the joint.
- There may be a loss of range of motion in the knee, with inability to fully bend, extend, or both.
- Pain can occur in one or both knees, and one may be worse than the other.
- Joint swelling (“water on the knee”) can occur.
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