Symptoms of Degenerative Arthritis of the Knee
Degenerative knee arthritis (osteoarthritis) presents with pain, aching, and stiffness that worsen with movement, along with mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching, or giving way of the knee. 1
Primary Symptoms
Pain Characteristics
- Joint pain that worsens with movement and activity is the hallmark symptom 2
- Pain can lead to disability in activities of daily living 2
- Symptoms fluctuate over time, with pain tending to improve on average after seeing a physician 1
- Pain may have sudden or subacute onset, even without major trauma 1
Mechanical Symptoms
- Clicking, catching, popping, or locking sensations are common mechanical symptoms 1
- Giving way or instability of the knee 1
- True locked knee (objective inability to fully extend) is rare and represents a distinct clinical subgroup 1, 3
Stiffness and Functional Limitations
- Joint stiffness, particularly after periods of rest 1, 2
- Reduced range of motion 4
- Functional limitations affecting daily activities 4
Associated Clinical Findings
Joint Changes
- Effusion (joint swelling) may be present 4, 5
- Pain and swelling at the joint 1
- Hypertrophic bone changes develop over time 2
Important Clinical Context
- Meniscal tears are common incidental findings in degenerative knee disease and are usually not the primary cause of pain, aching, or stiffness 1
- Symptoms typically affect patients over 50 years of age, though earlier onset can occur following traumatic knee injuries 4
- The condition is chronic with fluctuating symptoms rather than a steady progressive decline 1
Key Clinical Pitfall
Do not assume mechanical symptoms or meniscal tears seen on imaging are the cause of pain - these are frequently incidental findings in degenerative knee disease and unlikely to be the primary pain generator 1. The natural history shows pain improvement over time with conservative management in most patients 1.