Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis of the knee is a slowly progressive, degenerative disease in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It most commonly affects people older than 50, and it can become quite severe and debilitating. More than 10 million Americans have osteoarthritis of the knee, and it remains one of the leading causes of disability in the United States.
Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling and stiffness. The pain is typically on the inner half of the knee or on the back side, but it can be located anywhere about the knee and will even radiate down the shin toward the foot. There are many techniques and treatment options available for people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.
