What knee arthritis feels like
Aching in the knee that is worse after activity, stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting, swelling that comes and goes, grinding or clicking, and pain on stairs or when getting up from a chair. Some people notice the knee giving way or not fully straightening.
Knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis. The smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones slowly thins, the joint space narrows, and the bone underneath can form small spurs. It can affect the inner, outer or kneecap side of the joint, and it usually develops over years rather than weeks.
Osteoarthritis is not simply “wear and tear”. Muscle strength, body weight, old injuries and how the joint is loaded all play a part, which is why exercise and physical therapy remain the base of treatment at every stage.
Possible causes and risk factors
- Age and gradual changes in the joint cartilage
- A previous knee injury, such as a meniscus or ligament tear
- Extra body weight, which adds load with every step
- Weakness in the thigh and hip muscles
- Jobs or sports with a lot of kneeling, squatting or impact
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Family history
Knee pain has many other causes, so symptoms alone do not confirm arthritis. Our physicians examine the knee and order imaging, such as X-rays, when it is needed. See knee pain and injuries for the other conditions we evaluate.
When to get care soon
A hot, red, swollen knee with fever, a knee that locks and cannot straighten, inability to bear weight, or a swollen and tender calf need prompt medical attention.
How we evaluate it
A physician reviews your history, examines the joint, watches how you walk and squat, and orders X-rays or other imaging when the exam calls for it. In-office ultrasound may be used to look at swelling. The plan is based on what the evaluation finds, not on an assumed diagnosis.
Treatments we offer
- Physical therapy: strengthening, mobility and a home program, in Brooklyn and Staten Island
- Joint injections, including cortisone and hyaluronic acid (gel) injections when appropriate
- Genicular nerve block and radiofrequency ablation for lasting knee arthritis pain
- Focused shockwave therapy for selected tendon and soft-tissue pain around the knee
- AlterG anti-gravity treadmill to walk and train with less load on the joint
- Pain management planned together with your therapy
- Pre- and post-surgical rehab if you and your surgeon decide on a knee replacement
Which of these fits you depends on the evaluation. We explain the options, the likely benefit and the limits before anything is scheduled. Results vary from person to person.
Watch and read more
Knee arthritis treatment by stage · Knee arthritis in athletes · Alternatives to knee replacement · Knee gel injections · Cortisone shot in the knee · Chronic knee pain treatment · Physical therapy for knee pain · Types of knee injections · Knee radiofrequency ablation · Swollen knee (knee effusion) · Knee pain treatment
Who treats it
Our team is ready to help.
Ashley Marcus, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation · Interventional Pain Management
Brooklyn
Jake Stephen, DO
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation · Pain Medicine
Staten Island
Yuri Gordin, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation · Pain Medicine
Midtown Manhattan
Julia Kogan, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Brooklyn
Zoya Reznik, DPT, OCS
Clinical Director · Physical Therapist · Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
Brooklyn
Maggie (Yi) Zhang, DPT
Physical Therapist
Brooklyn
Victoria Lynn Kain, DPT
Clinical Director · Physical Therapist
Staten Island
Nicholas “Nick” Ursini, DPT
Physical Therapist
Staten Island
Valerie Khodorkovskiy, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist · Upper Extremity & Fine Motor
Brooklyn
Dennis Furman, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Brooklyn
Leila Nahmoud, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
BrooklynSwipe or use the arrows · All providers
Knee arthritis treatment near you
You can be seen for knee arthritis and osteoarthritis at our Brooklyn office at 2781 Shell Rd, our Staten Island office at 1630 Richmond Rd, or our Midtown Manhattan office at 150 E 55th St. Knee physical therapy is offered in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Request an appointment and tell us what is going on.
Questions
What is the difference between knee arthritis and knee osteoarthritis?
Knee arthritis is a general term for a painful, inflamed or worn knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis is the most common type: a gradual wearing of the cartilage that cushions the joint. Other types, such as rheumatoid arthritis, involve inflammation of the joint lining.
How is knee arthritis diagnosed?
A physician takes your history, examines the knee and watches how you walk and squat. X-rays are usually ordered to look at the joint space, and other imaging or a sample of joint fluid is used only when the exam calls for it. We do not assume a diagnosis before the evaluation.
Can knee arthritis be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Many people manage knee arthritis for years with physical therapy, weight management, activity changes and, when needed, injections or genicular nerve procedures. If the joint keeps getting worse despite these, we discuss a surgical opinion.
Does physical therapy help knee osteoarthritis?
Yes. Strengthening the thigh and hip muscles takes load off the joint, and mobility work eases stiffness. Most people do 8 to 12 sessions and then continue a home program.
What injections are used for knee arthritis?
Options include cortisone (steroid) injections for a painful flare and hyaluronic acid (gel) injections for some people with osteoarthritis. Image guidance can be used to place the needle accurately. Which option, if any, fits you depends on your evaluation.
Where can I be treated for knee arthritis?
At Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance offices in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Midtown Manhattan. Physical therapy for the knee is offered in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
General education, not a diagnosis or individual treatment plan. Results vary from person to person. For a medical emergency, call 911.