Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis typically include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Pain may be felt on the inside or outside of the knee and is usually worse after activity. Stiffness is often worse at night or when trying to exercise because the range of motion is severely affected. The swelling usually occurs on the inside of the knee, and the limb may sometimes look increased in volume or slightly reddened.

Knee osteoarthritis can also cause problems with the way the knee moves. The range of motion is reduced, and pain is felt when walking up or down stairs, kneeling, or squatting. As the disease progresses, walking becomes more painful, and shorter distances are limited.