Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint condition in which the cartilage that cushions the knee gradually wears down and the tissues around the joint become irritated. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling that make walking, climbing stairs, and sleeping harder. VidaVascular evaluates knee osteoarthritis pain and offers Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive option for people whose pain continues despite conservative care.
Knee pain from osteoarthritis often builds slowly over years, and it can change how you move, work, and rest. There is no single treatment that works for everyone. Most people start with conservative care, and some explore other options when pain persists. This page explains what knee osteoarthritis is, what it feels like, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a disease of the whole joint. In the knee, the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones thins and roughens, the bone underneath changes, and the joint lining (synovium) can become inflamed (1). Over time this can lead to pain, swelling, and loss of motion.
Inflammation in the joint lining is linked to the growth of extra small blood vessels around the knee. These vessels are the target of Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
What are the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?
Symptoms often start gradually and may come and go. Common symptoms include:
- Knee pain that is worse with activity, standing, or stairs
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Swelling around the knee
- A grinding, clicking, or crackling feeling when the knee moves
- Reduced range of motion or a feeling that the knee may give way
- Pain that disturbs sleep
What causes knee osteoarthritis, and who is at risk?
Knee osteoarthritis develops from a mix of factors rather than a single cause (1). Common risk factors include:
- Older age
- Extra body weight, which increases the load on the knee
- A past knee injury, such as a ligament or meniscus tear
- Repetitive kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting
- Family history
- Knee alignment, such as bow-legged or knock-kneed positioning
How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a physical exam of the knee, and imaging:
- X-rays show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and other changes of osteoarthritis
- MRI is sometimes used to look more closely at cartilage, the meniscus, and inflammation, or to check for other causes of pain
If you have recent knee imaging, bring the report to your visit.
What are the treatment options for knee osteoarthritis pain?
Treatment usually starts with conservative care and builds from there (2):
- Exercise and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the knee
- Weight management, when appropriate, to reduce stress on the joint
- Medications, such as topical or oral anti-inflammatory medicines
- Joint injections, such as corticosteroid injections
- Bracing or walking aids
- Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to the inflamed joint lining for people whose pain continues despite conservative care
- Knee replacement surgery for advanced joint damage
Research on GAE is still evolving, and results vary from person to person. Our team will review your history and imaging and talk through whether GAE may be worth considering.
When to seek prompt care
Contact a doctor promptly, or go to an emergency room, if you have any of the following:
- A knee that is suddenly hot, red, and very swollen, especially with fever
- Being unable to put weight on the leg after an injury
- New calf pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg, which can be a sign of a blood clot
Why see VidaVascular for knee osteoarthritis pain?
Living with knee pain can wear you down, especially when exercise, medication, or injections have not given you enough relief. At VidaVascular, your evaluation is guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team. We explain your options in plain language, including what the research does and does not show, so you can make a decision that fits your goals.
Care is available at our offices in Oxon Hill, MD, Springfield, VA, and White Plains, MD.
Your VidaVascular Care Team
Your evaluation and treatment are guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team.
Where to Get Care for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Choose the office that is most convenient for you. All locations share one phone number for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Osteoarthritis
Do I need knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis?
Not necessarily. Many people manage knee osteoarthritis with exercise, physical therapy, weight management, medication, and injections. Knee replacement is generally considered for advanced joint damage that limits daily life. Minimally invasive options such as GAE may be discussed for some people whose pain continues despite conservative care.
Is knee osteoarthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis is related to changes in the joint over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in many joints. They are diagnosed and treated differently, which is one reason a proper evaluation matters.
Does insurance cover my visit?
VidaVascular accepts most major insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan and procedure, so please call us to confirm whether your specific plan is covered. Insurance information.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (866) 800-2346 or request an appointment online. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
References
- Hunter, D. J., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. (2019). Osteoarthritis. The Lancet, 393(10182), 1745–1759.
- Kolasinski, S. L., Neogi, T., Hochberg, M. C., et al. (2020). 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care & Research, 72(2), 149–162.
Ready to Talk About Your Knee Pain?
Schedule an evaluation with our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what fits your goals.