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[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Knee](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/)

# Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wear of the cartilage lining the knee joint; it causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling.

Updated 2026-10-23

## Structures involved

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [Femoral cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-cartilage-of-femur/)
- [Tibial cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-cartilage-of-tibial-plateau/)
- [Patellar cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/articular-cartilage-of-patella/)
- [Medial meniscus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/medial-meniscus/)
- [Lateral meniscus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lateral-meniscus/)

## In biochemistry

- [Glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/glycosaminoglycans/)
- [Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/hyaluronic-acid/)

## In histology

- [Cartilage: hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/cartilage-hyaline-elastic-fibrocartilage/)
- [Synovial joints: capsule, synovial membrane and articular cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/histology/synovial-joints-capsule-synovial-membrane-and-articular-cartilage/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Joint examination: inspection, palpation and range of motion](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/joint-examination-inspection-palpation-and-range-of-motion/)
- [Meniscal tests: McMurray and Apley](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/meniscal-tests-mcmurray-and-apley/)
- [Knee effusion: patellar tap and bulge sign](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/knee-effusion-patellar-tap-and-bulge-sign/)
- [Inspection of gait and posture (orthopedic)](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/inspection-of-gait-and-posture/)

## Why it happens

- [How organs age: normal changes vs disease](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/how-organs-age-normal-changes-vs-disease/)
- [Obesity: leptin, adipokines and its consequences](https://durgical.com/en/general-pathology/obesity-leptin-adipokines-and-its-consequences/)

## What it is

Gradual wear of the articular cartilage of the knee joint.

## Symptoms and signs

- Activity-related pain
- Stiffness after rest, usually lasting less than about 30 minutes
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion

## Diagnosis

**Clinical**
History and exam

**Imaging**
X-rays show joint-space narrowing; MRI shows cartilage detail

## Treatment

**Conservative**
Physical therapy, weight management, activity changes, medicines or injections for pain.

**Surgical**
Knee replacement for advanced disease.

## Drugs for this condition

- [Celecoxib](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/celecoxib/)
- [Indometacin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/indometacin/)
- [Diclofenac](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/diclofenac/)
- [Naproxen](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/naproxen/)
- [Meloxicam](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/meloxicam/)
- [Piroxicam](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/piroxicam/)
- [Triamcinolone](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/triamcinolone/)

## Related conditions

- [Patellar fracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/patellar-fracture/)
- [Obesity](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/obesity/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Knee Osteoarthritis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507884/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/knee-osteoarthritis/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/knee-osteoarthritis/