Knee osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the knee joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.

While it typically develops slowly over time, there are some early signs and symptoms that can indicate the onset of knee osteoarthritis. Recognizing these signs can help individuals seek early intervention and management strategies to prevent further damage and improve quality of life.

1. Joint Pain

One of the earliest and most common signs of knee osteoarthritis is joint pain. Individuals may experience pain that is aggravated during or after movement, particularly after prolonged or excessive use of the knee joint.

Initially, the pain may be mild and intermittent, but it tends to progressively worsen as the condition advances.

2. Stiffness

In the early stages of knee osteoarthritis, stiffness in the affected joint can be experienced. This stiffness is typically worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, such as sitting or lying down for an extended period.

The stiffness may subside with gentle movement or stretching but may return after prolonged rest.

3. Swelling

Swelling around the knee joint is another early sign of osteoarthritis. The joint may appear puffy and feel warm to the touch. The swelling may be intermittent or persistent and is often accompanied by pain and limited range of motion.

4. Reduced Range of Motion

As knee osteoarthritis progresses, individuals may notice a decreased range of motion in the affected joint.

It may become more challenging to fully bend or straighten the knee, leading to difficulty with activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair.

5. Crepitus

Crepitus refers to a crackling or grinding sound that occurs when moving the knee joint. It is caused by the roughening or wearing down of the cartilage within the joint. Crepitus may be felt or heard and is often accompanied by joint pain.

6. Instability

As knee osteoarthritis progresses, the joint may become unstable. Individuals may experience a feeling of giving way or inability to fully support their body weight on the affected knee. This instability can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

7. Muscle Weakness

The muscles surrounding the knee joint may become weak due to reduced usage or altered mechanics caused by osteoarthritis. Muscle weakness can further contribute to pain and reduced functionality of the knee joint.

8. Tenderness

Areas around the knee joint may feel tender to touch in the early stages of osteoarthritis. The tenderness is often localized to specific spots and may worsen with pressure or palpation.

It is important to note that tenderness can also be a symptom of other knee conditions, and a proper diagnosis is essential.

9. Limited Physical Activity

Individuals with early knee osteoarthritis may start to avoid physical activities that exacerbate their symptoms. This reduction in physical activity can be a sign that they are trying to protect their joints from worsening pain and discomfort.

10. Morning Stiffness

Many people with knee osteoarthritis experience morning stiffness, where the affected joint feels particularly stiff and difficult to move after a period of rest, such as waking up in the morning.

Morning stiffness tends to improve with gentle movement and may recur after prolonged periods of inactivity.