If you’re over 50 and your knee has started bothering you, you’re probably wondering: is this just normal aging, or do I have arthritis? It’s a question millions of Americans ask themselves every year.
The good news is that certain patterns in your symptoms can give you clues. While only a doctor can give you a definite answer, understanding the signs of knee osteoarthritis can help you know when it’s time to seek help.
Common Signs Your Knee Pain Might Be Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis has some telltale characteristics that set it apart from other causes of knee pain. Here are the most common signs:
Pain That Follows a Pattern
Osteoarthritis pain typically:
- Gets worse with activity - Walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods increases your pain
- Improves with rest - Sitting down or taking weight off the knee brings relief
- Develops gradually - Unlike an injury that happens suddenly, OA pain builds up over months or years
Morning Stiffness (But Not Too Long)
One of the clearest indicators of osteoarthritis is how your knee feels when you wake up:
- Less than 30 minutes of stiffness suggests osteoarthritis
- More than 30 minutes may indicate rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory condition
- The stiffness usually improves once you get moving
Grinding or Crunching Sensations
Doctors call this “crepitus” - that grating, grinding, or crunching feeling when you bend your knee. It happens when the smooth cartilage that cushions your joint wears down, allowing rougher surfaces to rub together. You might hear it, feel it, or both.
Swelling Around the Joint
Mild to moderate swelling around the knee is common with osteoarthritis. The swelling may come and go, often appearing after you’ve been active.
Reduced Range of Motion
You might notice you can’t bend or straighten your knee as far as you used to. This can make it harder to get in and out of chairs, climb stairs, or squat down.
Self-Check: Symptoms Checklist
Ask yourself these questions. The more “yes” answers you have, the more likely your knee pain could be osteoarthritis:
- Is your knee pain worse after activity and better after rest?
- Does your knee feel stiff in the morning for less than 30 minutes?
- Do you feel or hear grinding when you move your knee?
- Has your knee pain developed gradually over time (not from a specific injury)?
- Are you over 50 years old?
- Do you have pain on most days?
- Is the pain in one knee more than the other (OA often affects one side more)?
- Does weather change seem to affect your symptoms?
If you answered yes to several of these, it may be worth talking to a doctor about knee osteoarthritis.
What Else Could It Be?
Not all knee pain is arthritis. Other common causes include:
- Bursitis - Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around the knee
- Tendinitis - Inflamed tendons, often from overuse
- Meniscus tears - Damage to the cartilage “shock absorber” in your knee
- Ligament injuries - Sprains or tears of the knee’s supporting ligaments
- Rheumatoid arthritis - An autoimmune condition (different from osteoarthritis)
A proper diagnosis helps ensure you get the right treatment. Take our pain assessment quiz to better understand your symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Don’t wait too long to seek help. See a doctor if:
- Pain interferes with daily activities like walking, sleeping, or enjoying time with family
- Over-the-counter medications aren’t helping after trying them for a few weeks
- Your knee locks, gives out, or feels unstable
- Swelling doesn’t go down after a few days of rest and ice
- Pain is getting progressively worse rather than staying the same
- You’re avoiding activities you enjoy because of knee pain
Early diagnosis matters. The sooner you know what you’re dealing with, the sooner you can start treatment that may slow the progression and improve your quality of life.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Visit
Knowing what happens during a diagnostic visit can make the appointment less stressful. Here’s what typically occurs:
Medical History
Your doctor will ask about:
- When the pain started and how it’s changed
- What makes it better or worse
- Your activity level and daily routine
- Previous knee injuries or surgeries
- Family history of arthritis
- Other health conditions you have
Physical Examination
The doctor will examine your knee, checking for:
- Swelling, warmth, or tenderness
- Range of motion
- Stability and strength
- How you walk (your gait)
- Any visible changes to the joint
Imaging Tests
X-rays are the most common test for diagnosing osteoarthritis. They can show:
- Narrowing of the joint space (where cartilage has worn away)
- Bone spurs
- Changes to the bone underneath the cartilage
In some cases, an MRI may be ordered to get a more detailed look at the cartilage, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
Getting Your Results
If you do have osteoarthritis, your doctor will explain which stage you’re in (mild, moderate, or severe) and discuss treatment options. Many effective treatments exist, from physical therapy and lifestyle changes to hyaluronic acid injections and other therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can arthritis show up suddenly, or is it always gradual?
Osteoarthritis almost always develops gradually over months or years. If your knee pain appeared suddenly after an injury or started intensely out of nowhere, it may be something other than OA. Sudden onset could indicate an injury, gout, or infection - all of which need different treatment.
At what age does knee arthritis usually start?
While knee osteoarthritis can occur at any age, risk increases significantly after age 50. About half of all adults will develop symptomatic knee OA by age 85. However, previous injuries can cause arthritis to develop earlier - sometimes decades after the original injury.
Can I prevent my knee pain from turning into arthritis?
If you already have early signs of osteoarthritis, you can’t reverse the cartilage damage. However, you can slow its progression through weight management, regular low-impact exercise, and appropriate treatment. Losing even 10 pounds reduces stress on your knees and can significantly decrease pain.
Should I keep moving or rest if I think I have arthritis?
Keep moving - but wisely. Complete rest can actually make osteoarthritis worse by weakening the muscles that support your knee. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling are generally safe and beneficial. Avoid high-impact activities that pound on the joint, and take rest breaks when needed.
Taking the Next Step
If your symptoms match the patterns described here, don’t ignore them. Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better. Many people with knee osteoarthritis find significant relief through treatment and continue to lead active, fulfilling lives.
Ready to learn more about your symptoms? Take our pain assessment quiz or read our comprehensive guide to knee osteoarthritis.