Knee pain is an incredibly common complaint, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles in Jashore and beyond. It’s easy to dismiss a nagging ache as the result of a long day, a minor twist, or simply getting older. But how can you tell if your knee pain is a temporary issue or a sign of a chronic condition like osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is a leading cause of knee pain worldwide. Early diagnosis is key to managing symptoms, slowing progression, and maintaining your quality of life. Ignoring the early signs can lead to increased pain and limited mobility down the road.
As a leading orthopedic specialist in Jashore, Dr. Partho at Pongu Hospital helps patients identify and treat knee arthritis every day. Here are five early signs that your knee pain might be arthritis and shouldn’t be ignored.
1. Pain That Activates with Activity and Eases with Rest
One of the most hallmark early signs of knee arthritis is a specific pattern of pain. You may notice a dull, aching pain that flares up during weight-bearing activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair. The key differentiator is that this pain typically subsides when you rest or take weight off the joint.
If your knee pain follows this activity-related pattern consistently, it’s a strong signal that the protective cartilage in your joint may be wearing down.
2. Stiffness, Especially in the Morning or After Sitting
Do you feel a noticeable stiffness in your knee when you get out of bed in the morning? Or perhaps your knee feels tight and difficult to bend after sitting for a long car ride or watching a movie? This “gel phenomenon”, where the joint feels stuck or gelled up, is a classic early symptom of arthritis.
This stiffness usually lasts for less than 30 minutes and improves as you move around and “warm up” the joint.
3. Swelling and Tenderness Around the Joint
Occasional swelling after intense activity is normal. However, persistent or recurring swelling around the knee is a red flag. This swelling is caused by inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) as it reacts to cartilage damage.
The knee may also feel tender to the touch along the joint line. You might even feel a sensation of warmth emanating from the area. This is your body’s inflammatory response in action.
4. A Feeling of Grinding or Crunching (Crepitus)
Have you ever felt or even heard a grinding, crunching, or cracking sensation when you bend or straighten your knee? This sensation, known as crepitus, occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the bones becomes rough and eroded. As the damaged cartilage surfaces rub against each other, they create this unmistakable grating feeling.
While some knee popping is harmless, a consistent grinding sensation is often associated with arthritis.
5. Reduced Range of Motion
Arthritis can gradually steal your knee’s full flexibility. You might find it increasingly difficult to fully straighten your leg or bend it as far as you used to. This loss of range of motion can make everyday activities, like putting on shoes or getting in and out of a car, more challenging.
This symptom often develops slowly, so it’s important to pay attention to these subtle changes.
What Should You Do Next?
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward taking control of your knee health. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, early intervention at a specialist clinic like ours in Jashore can make a world of difference.
Effective management strategies include:
Physiotherapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee to provide better support.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management and low-impact exercise.
Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and swelling.
Advanced Interventions: Injections like corticosteroids or viscosupplementation (gel shots) to lubricate the joint.
Don’t let knee pain dictate your life. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to seek a professional opinion.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Partho at Pongu Hospital, Jashore, today. Let us provide you with an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan to keep you moving without pain. Contact us to book your appointment.