Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis: Things you Must Know

What is Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where the cushioning (cartilage) in your knee joint wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a common reason for knee pain, especially in older adults.

How common is OA knee in India?

OA knee is one of the leading causes of disability in India. Studies estimate that around 22–39% of Indians above 50 years suffer from OA knee. The prevalence is higher in women, and the number of cases is rising due to increasing life expectancy, obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.

What causes OA knee?

• Aging (wear and tear)
• Previous knee injuries (Which may land as knee osteoarthritis years later)
• Being overweight (extra pressure on knees) ( Extra 1kg of Weight Gain causes 4kg Load on Knees!!)
• Family history of arthritis
• Repetitive stress on the knee (jobs or sports involving heavy lifting or squatting)

Who is more likely to suffer from OA knee?

• People above 50 years
• Women (especially after menopause)
• Overweight individuals
• Those with a history of knee injuries
• People with jobs requiring excessive knee bending

What are the different grades of OA knee?

• Grade 1: Mild wear and tear, no major symptoms.
• Grade 2: Some cartilage damage, occasional pain.
• Grade 3: Moderate cartilage loss, increased pain and swelling.
• Grade 4: Severe cartilage loss, constant pain, difficulty walking.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment depends on the severity of OA. It includes:

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Lifestyle Changes:
   • Weight loss reduces knee pressure.
   • Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling help.
2. Medications:
   • Pain relievers like paracetamol.
   • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
3. Physiotherapy & Exercises:
   • Strengthening thigh muscles supports the knee.
   • Stretching improves flexibility.
4. DMOADs (Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs):
   • These are newer treatment options that aim to slow down OA progression rather than just relieve symptoms.
   • Examples include:
     • Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate: May help rebuild cartilage.
     • Diacerein: Anti-inflammatory properties that slow cartilage breakdown.
     • Strontium Ranelate: May improve bone and cartilage health.
     • Tanezumab (under research): A monoclonal antibody for pain relief.
5. Knee Braces & Supports:
   • Help in stabilizing the knee.

Remember if we start treatment early this is where the treatment ends for most of the Patients with OA Knee ! 

Minimally Invasive Interventions

We already have a separate detailed blog on this ( Please CLICK HERE)

1. Steroid Injections: Reduces inflammation and pain but provides temporary relief.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Lubricates the knee joint, improving movement.
3. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy: Uses your own blood to promote healing.
4. Genicular Nerve Block: Blocks pain signals from knee nerves, good for severe cases.
5. Stem Cell Therapy (Experimental): May help regenerate cartilage, but still under research.

Surgical Option (For Severe OA – Grade 4)

• Knee Replacement Surgery: When pain is severe, and daily activities are difficult, surgery replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one.

Why are exercises important in OA knee?

• Strengthens muscles around the knee.
• Reduces stiffness and pain.
• Improves joint flexibility and movement.
• Delays the need for surgery.

Click here to Learn about Exercises.

Can I prevent OA knee from getting worse?

Yes! Follow these tips:

• Stay active with regular, gentle exercises.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Use proper footwear.
• Avoid excessive kneeling and squatting.

Does food help to fight Arthritis?

Yes! Certain foods have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and stiffness. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), turmeric, ginger, and vitamin D-rich foods can support joint health. If you're interested in simple, Indian foods that support arthritis relief, you might find this book Arthritis Relief Made Simple helpful.  (Link : https://www.flipkart.com/product/p/itme?pid=9789334131666)

Final Words: OA knee is not just about pain—it’s about staying active and independent. Early management can help you lead a comfortable life. If you have knee pain, don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you!