What is arthritis knee pain?
Dr Yugal Karkhur
Created on: 16/02/2026
Answer
Arthritis knee pain is joint pain that occurs due to inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint. It develops when the protective cartilage cushioning the knee bones wears down or when the joint lining becomes inflamed, leading to friction, stiffness, and discomfort during movement.
1. Types of Knee Arthritis
The most common type is osteoarthritis, caused by age-related cartilage wear. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that inflames the knee joint, while gout can also affect the knee due to uric acid crystal buildup.
2. Symptoms
People typically experience knee pain while walking, stiffness after rest, swelling, grinding sensation, reduced flexibility, and difficulty climbing stairs.
3. Causes & Risk Factors
Ageing, obesity, previous knee injuries, genetics, and joint overuse increase the risk of arthritis-related knee pain.
4. Treatment
Management includes medications, physiotherapy, weight control, knee braces, injections, and knee replacement surgery in advanced cases.