What are the first signs of knee osteoarthritis?

Pain may begin during walking, squatting, or standing for a long time and settle with rest. The knee can feel stiff when first moving after sleep or sitting. Some people notice grinding, reduced bending, or a subtle limp. Symptoms can affect one or both knees. These signs can occur with other knee problems, so they do not by themselves establish osteoarthritis.

Track when pain, stiffness, swelling, or limping occurs and which activities make it worse. Choose low-impact movement that keeps the joint comfortable, and avoid suddenly increasing exercise load. A clinician can check alignment, range of motion, strength, and tenderness; imaging may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment may include exercise, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or an injection depending on your health and symptoms.

Get urgent medical help after an injury if the knee is visibly deformed, you cannot bear weight, or it becomes rapidly and severely swollen. Prompt assessment is also appropriate for a hot red knee with fever. Book an appointment for persistent pain, repeated swelling, worsening stair difficulty, or a limp that changes your usual walking pattern.

Ask what is causing your symptoms, whether an X-ray or another test is useful, and which exercises protect function. Discuss medication safety, injection choices, and how treatment would change if daily walking becomes difficult.