Knee Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Knee Arthritis?
An orthopedic surgeon (a doctor for bone and joint problems) or a rheumatologist (a doctor for arthritis) often treats knee arthritis. A primary care doctor can coordinate your care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is knee arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation (swelling and irritation) of one or more joints. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the main symptoms. It is especially common in the knee.
The main types that affect the knee are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form in the knee. The cartilage in the joint slowly wears away. Cartilage is the smooth, slippery tissue that cushions the bones. Bones can then rub on bone and cause painful bone spurs.
Symptoms
A knee with arthritis may be painful and inflamed. Common signs include the following.
- Pain that usually builds slowly, though it can start suddenly.
- A stiff, swollen knee that is hard to bend and straighten.
- Pain and swelling that are worse in the morning or after sitting or resting.
- Pain that flares up after hard activity.
- A knee that locks or sticks. It may creak, click, snap, or grind.
- A weak feeling or buckling in the knee.
Causes and who gets it
Osteoarthritis happens most often in people 50 and older. Younger people can get it too.
Things that raise the risk of knee problems include the following.
- Being 50 or older.
- Being overweight.
- A past injury to the knee.
- Overusing the knee.
Posttraumatic arthritis develops after a knee injury. A broken bone, a torn meniscus, or a ligament injury can lead to it years later. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Then you will have a physical exam. The doctor checks for swelling, warmth, redness, tenderness, and how well the knee moves.
X-rays can show a narrow joint space, bone changes, and bone spurs. Sometimes an MRI or CT scan is needed to look at the bone and soft tissues. Blood tests help find which type of arthritis you have.
Joint fluid can be tested to look for infection or gout.
Treatment
There is no cure for arthritis. Many treatments can help relieve pain and disability. Treatment starts without surgery.
- Exercise is recommended for osteoarthritis to improve pain and function. Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling put less stress on the knee.
- Losing weight can reduce stress on the knee joint, with less pain and better function.
- A physical therapist can build a program to improve motion, flexibility, and leg strength.
- A cane, brace, or knee sleeve can help. Heat, ice, or an elastic bandage may ease pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines are usually the first choice. Talk to your doctor about side effects. Anti-inflammatory medicines called NSAIDs should be used with caution, or avoided, in people with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease.
- Oral opioids (narcotic pain medicines) should be avoided. They are not effective for knee arthritis pain.
- Steroid injections into the joint can give pain relief, but the effects do not last forever. Pain and swelling may flare right after a shot. Shots also carry a risk of long-term joint damage or infection.
Surgery may be recommended if arthritis pain causes disability and nonsurgical care does not help. Options include osteotomy, which reshapes a bone to shift weight off the damaged side of the knee. Another option is partial or total knee replacement. In most cases, surgery relieves pain and makes daily activities easier.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if knee pain, swelling, or stiffness makes everyday activities hard. Get medical advice right away if you have a fever with redness or warmth around the knee. Contact your doctor if you have a lot of swelling.
After a steroid shot in the knee, pain and swelling may flare. Infection is also possible. Contact your doctor if this happens.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room after a sudden, serious injury to the knee, or for sudden, severe pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can do a first exam, order x-rays or blood tests, and review your pain medicines. They can also guide weight and activity plans and refer you to an orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist, or physical therapist when needed.
Common questions
Can knee arthritis be cured?
No. There is no cure for arthritis. Many treatments can still help relieve pain and keep you active.
Is exercise safe for knee arthritis?
Yes, exercise is recommended for osteoarthritis to improve pain and function. Lower impact activities such as swimming or cycling put less stress on the knee. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about a plan that fits you.
Will I need surgery for knee arthritis?
Not at first. Initial treatment is nonsurgical. Your doctor may recommend surgery if pain causes disability and other treatment does not relieve it.
Are opioid pain medicines a good choice for knee arthritis?
No. Oral opioids should be avoided. They are not effective for pain from knee arthritis.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Arthritis of the Knee
- MedlinePlus - Knee pain
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
