Say Goodbye to Knee Pain, Hello to Motion
What Is
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears away over time. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in the knee joint.
It’s the most common type of arthritis affecting the knees, especially in older adults, but it can also occur in younger people due to injury, obesity, or genetics.
Knee osteoarthritis is 22-39% prevalent in the Indian population. This is more seen in females than in males. This condition initially looks like general pain in the knees but it is basically the degenerative changes occurring in the knee joint leading to more wear and tear with each passing day.
What Are
Knee osteoarthritis is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage — the smooth, slippery tissue that cushions your knee joint. As the cartilage wears away, the bones of your knee begin to rub against each other, triggering pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
What Are
Various factors can increase the risk of developing knee pain in osteoarthritis. Individuals at higher risk typically include:
Weak thigh or leg muscles can’t properly support the knee, causing increased joint strain.
Misalignment of the knees (knock knees or bow legs) causes uneven wear and tear on cartilage.
Chronic low-grade inflammation in the body can damage cartilage over time.
Women, especially post-menopause, are more prone to knee osteoarthritis due to hormonal and structural factors.
Inactivity weakens muscles and joints, reducing joint support and lubrication, making the knees more vulnerable.
Generally, initial stages are treated with painkiller medicines and physiotherapy. As disease progresses, joint injection of steroids and/or other special injections is advised.
Interventional radiology offers a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis—without the need for surgery or long recovery times. One of the most advanced IR treatments for knee OA is called:
Genicular Artery Embolization is a non-surgical IR procedure that reduces knee pain by blocking the tiny arteries (genicular arteries) supplying inflamed joint tissues. This cuts off excess blood flow and reduces inflammation, leading to pain relief.
Every step may feel heavy now—but it’s not the end of your journey. With the right care, your knees can carry you back to the life you love. Whether it’s walking freely, playing with your grandkids, or dancing again—relief is possible. Recovery is real. And it starts with one brave decision: Not giving up!
No—gentle walking is actually encouraged. It helps maintain mobility, strengthens muscles, and reduces stiffness. However, overdoing it or walking on uneven terrain may worsen symptoms.
Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and leg-strengthening routines (e.g., seated leg raises, step-ups) help reduce stress on the knee while improving strength and flexibility.
Yes, by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact movements, and following a structured care plan, you can slow its progression and stay mobile.
Stairs are okay if they don’t trigger pain. If climbing is difficult, consider taking one step at a time, using handrails, or trying alternative exercises to build strength first.
Yes—most people can continue working with minor adjustments like using a cushioned chair, avoiding prolonged standing, or using assistive supports if needed.
