What it is
Osteoarthritis is the gradual wearing of the smooth cartilage that cushions the knee. The joint can ache, stiffen, and swell, and it often grumbles more with activity or by the end of the day. It is very common and tends to build slowly over years.
Common symptoms
- Pain that is worse with activity and eases with rest
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling, or a feeling that the knee might give way
- A grinding or catching sensation
What can help
- Staying active with the right exercise, which is the single most helpful thing
- Strengthening the muscles around the knee
- Managing weight, which lowers the load on the joint
- Simple pain relief and topical anti-inflammatory gels
- A walking aid or brace where it helps
Where an injection fits
When pain flares, a corticosteroid injection can give short-term relief. Viscosupplementation with Durolane is another option, though the evidence for it is genuinely mixed. Injections work best alongside exercise and weight management, not instead of them.
Home exercise program after your injection
!When to seek urgent care. See a doctor promptly if you notice a hot, red, very swollen knee with fever, which can signal infection; a knee that suddenly locks or gives way; new severe pain after an injury.
This is general information, not medical advice. Your assessment and plan depend on your own situation, and your clinician will guide you.
