Many people experience knee pain due to osteoarthritis but aren’t sure what causes it or how to treat it. Below are seven frequently asked questions that help clarify this condition, answered in a gentle, easy-to-understand way by a board-certified orthopedic specialist.

Q1. What is knee osteoarthritis and what causes it?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage in the knee gradually wears down. It’s often caused by aging, overuse, previous injuries, or joint misalignment.

Q2. What are the typical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis?

Common symptoms include knee pain during movement, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. Many people also feel discomfort when going up or down stairs.

Q3. How is knee osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose knee osteoarthritis through a physical exam and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI, which can show the degree of cartilage loss or bone changes.

Q4. Is walking good or bad for knee osteoarthritis?

Gentle walking is generally good, as it maintains joint mobility and muscle strength. However, overdoing it or walking on hard surfaces may increase pain, so moderation is key.

Q5. Are there non-surgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis?

Yes. Common treatments include pain relief medications, physical therapy, weight management, and injections like hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Q6. When should I consider surgery for knee osteoarthritis?

Surgery may be an option if pain severely limits daily activities and non-surgical treatments no longer help. Total knee replacement is the most common surgical solution.

Q7. Can regenerative medicine help with knee osteoarthritis?

Many people ask about this. Stem cell therapy and PRP injections are promising regenerative options that may help relieve pain and slow disease progression without surgery.

We hope these answers have addressed some of the common concerns about knee osteoarthritis. If you’re considering treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out for a personalized consultation.

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坐骨神経痛でよくある7つの質問に専門医がやさしく回答