Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Knee Arthritis): "Degenerative Joint Disease" can cause pain, stiffness, and cartilage breakdown.

Edited By: Seth S. Leopold, M.D.
Last updated Monday, January 14, 2008

Causes and effects

What causes knee arthritis?

However, there are some risk factors that may increase the likelihood that knees will become arthritic. These risk factors include:

1. Genetics. Arthritis often runs in families.
2. Severe trauma. Fractures (broken bones) and total removal of the supporting cartilages of the knee (meniscus) both increase the likelihood of knee arthritis.
3. Obesity. This is associated with arthritis of the knees.

What does knee arthritis do?

Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the main symptoms of knee arthritis. When it becomes more advanced, joint deformity (knock-knees or bow-legs) can occur.

As the condition worsens, it often becomes less responsive to medical treatments such as pills or injections.

Surgery for Knee Arthritis at the University of Washington

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