Understanding Knee Arthritis

Understanding Knee Arthritis: What It Feels Like, Why It Hurts, and What You Can Do About It

Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain, especially in adults over the age of 50. That being said, many people can begin experiencing symptoms even earlier—especially those with prior injuries, past surgeries or people living with certain chronic health conditions. If you’re wondering why knee arthritis hurts so much, whether it can be reversed, or how to manage it naturally, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll address some of the most common questions about knee arthritis and how our integrative and holistic approach at CORE Sports Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine can help.

What Is Knee Arthritis, and What Does It Feel Like?

Knee arthritis refers to inflammation and degeneration within the knee joint and the surrounding tissue. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It happens when the protective cartilage that cushions your joints breaks down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it’s most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Patients often describe knee arthritis pain as:

● A deep, aching discomfort in or around the knee

● Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods

● Swelling or tenderness

● A grinding or popping sensation

● Pain that comes and goes, often worse with activity or changes in weather

Where Does Knee Arthritis Hurt?

Pain is usually located in the front or inside part of the knee, but can also radiate to the back of the knee or down the shin. There may be related swelling behind the knee, referred to as a baker cyst. Some people even experience related hip or calf pain, especially if they’ve been walking differently to compensate for the discomfort.

Can Knee Arthritis Be Reversed or Cured?

While osteoarthritis itself can’t be cured or reversed, symptoms can often be managed extremely well—and in some cases, progression can be slowed with the right approach.

Dealing with knee arthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love—or jumping straight to surgery. At CORE Sports Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine, we focus on helping you manage knee arthritis with a blend of non-surgical sports medicine treatments and lifestyle interventions.

Key areas we focus on include:

● Targeted exercise and movement therapy to improve strength, mobility, and joint stability.

● Weight management and anti-inflammatory nutrition, which can significantly reduce pressure on the knee joint.

● Functional movement training to help you move better, avoid injury, and feel more confident in everyday activities.

● Pain management techniques, including manual therapy, bracing, and activity modifications.

● Joint injections or regenerative treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), gel injections (hyaluronic acid) or other biologics, to reduce inflammation and support healing (where appropriate).

How Can I Manage or Prevent Knee Arthritis?

Whether you’re trying to prevent knee arthritis or reduce your current pain, these strategies are highly effective:

1. Stay Active (But Smart): Low-impact exercise like cycling, swimming, and walking helps maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Moving helps keep the joints lubricated. Remember, lotion is motion!

2. Strengthen Your Muscles: Strong core, gluteal muscles, quadriceps and hamstrings support the knee and take pressure off the joint.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Every extra pound adds stress to the knees.

4. Eat for Joint Health: A diet rich in colorful vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein can help reduce inflammation, as well as minimizing ultra-processed options.

5. Use Joint Support Wisely: Knee braces may help in certain cases, especially during activity.

When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Arthritis?

If your knee pain:

● Disrupts your daily activities

● Worsens over time

● Comes and goes without obvious triggers

● Causes stiffness or instability

● Wakes you up at night

…it’s time to consult a professional.

At CORE Sports Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine, serving patients in Princeton, NJ and the surrounding areas, we specialize in non-surgical solutions for arthritis and chronic joint pain. By addressing the root cause and treating the whole person, we aim to help you stay active, reduce pain, and avoid surgery whenever possible. Whether you’re trying to get back to running, hiking, or simply walking without pain, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s Talk About Your Knees

If you’re struggling with knee arthritis or suspect you may be developing it, don’t wait. Early intervention is key. Contact our office to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plan that supports your joint health and overall well-being.