What Does Knee Osteoarthritis Feel Like?

Descriptions of knee osteoarthritis range from vague to dramatic, so it helps to start from what an orthopedic source actually lists.

Pain, swelling and stiffness

OrthoInfo (AAOS) states that pain, swelling, and stiffness are the primary symptoms of arthritis. It also says the knee may creak, click, snap, or make a grinding noise, which it calls crepitus.

Why a creak or a click is not a diagnosis

Arthritis of the knee is described as a group of symptoms, and how strongly any one person feels each of them is left open. Be skeptical of any promise of a signature sensation, or of any claim that a click or a creak proves the diagnosis. Noise from a knee is one of several listed symptoms, and it does not name the cause by itself. A clinician decides which kind of arthritis, if any, is involved.

Tracking your knee symptoms before a visit

Keep a short log of pain, swelling, stiffness and any noise, with dates and the activity you were doing. Compare it with the MedlinePlus overview of knee injuries and disorders and the WebMD pain management center. A clinician in Totowa or nearby can then tell you whether your pattern fits arthritis and what would confirm it.

When your knee does something unlisted

If your knee does something that is not among the listed symptoms, write it down and ask about it.