What Does Arthritis Knee Pain Feel Like?

If you’re worried about your joint health, you may wonder, what does arthritis knee pain feel like? In this post, we highlight the signs and symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. We also explain treatment options, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

What Does Arthritis Knee Pain Feel Like?

While every person is different, knee osteoarthritis pain often feels like a dull ache. However, at times the pain can be sharp or even wake you up at night. For some, the discomfort is constant, while others experience intermittent pain that’s noticeably worse following high-impact activities or extended periods of movement. In addition to pain, osteoarthritis in your knee joint can cause stiffness. Your range of motion may be reduced, and the area may be tender to the touch. Bone spurs could form around your knee joint, causing hard, noticeable lumps to form. Your knees may feel wobbly, or they could lock up when you want to move. And you may notice cracking or popping sounds when you engage in weight-bearing activities.

Finding Relief at Home

Initially, you may find knee pain relief without medical intervention. Over-the-counter medications, icing the joint and engaging in physical therapy can all help make arthritis knee pain feel more manageable. However, osteoarthritis is a progressive condition. So, with time, you may need to seek medical intervention in order to manage your pain and preserve your mobility.

What Does Arthritis Knee Pain Feel Like Without Intervention?

Untreated knee osteoarthritis will worsen over time, resulting in increased pain, reduced range of motion in your joint and potential limits on your mobility. Of course, surgical treatment for arthritis in the knee is very invasive, and can result in months of rehab and recovery. Want to manage your knee pain due to arthritis without undergoing knee replacement surgery? GAE, or genicular artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces inflammation in the lining of your knee joint. In turn, patients experience pain relief and improved mobility while delaying or avoiding surgery altogether. To see if GAE is the right way for you to make arthritis knee pain feel better, we encourage you to contact our team at the Georgia Knee Institute and request a consultation.