Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of knee pain, especially with age, but it is not a foregone conclusion. The condition develops as the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down, which can make movement painful and less stable over time.
As cartilage thins, the knee loses some of its smooth motion and shock absorption. Pain and stiffness may follow and can worsen gradually. According to Dr. Abby Cheng, an orthopedic surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis who also specializes in physiatry, osteoarthritis can limit activity, raise the risk of falls, and affect mood and overall quality of life.
Knee osteoarthritis can affect more than mobility
The impact of osteoarthritis reaches beyond the joint. Reduced mobility can lead to missed work and lost income. It can also discourage regular exercise, which may raise the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
The condition is widespread. More than 30 million adults in the United States live with some form of osteoarthritis, with the knee most often affected. While commonly linked to older age, about half of cases occur in people who are still working.
Risk is higher for those with weak leg muscles or excess body weight, Cheng said. Women, older adults, people with a previous knee injury, and those with a family history of osteoarthritis are also more likely to develop it.
Lifestyle changes can help ease knee pain
People already living with osteoarthritis have multiple options to manage pain and maintain function. Healthy daily habits, combined with medical treatments when appropriate, may also help slow progression.
Cheng noted that eating more plant-based foods and cutting back on processed and sugary items can reduce inflammation and may lessen osteoarthritis pain. Other commonly used approaches include strengthening the thigh muscles, using knee braces, taking anti-inflammatory medicines, receiving cortisone or other injections, and, in some cases, having knee replacement surgery.
Clinicians can help patients build individualized plans and connect them with programs and resources that support long-term changes. Even modest improvements can matter. For someone who is overweight, losing 10 pounds can reduce the load on the knees by 40 pounds with every step, which can meaningfully ease pain.
Exercise and healthy weight may lower risk
Many strategies used to manage symptoms can also help prevent knee osteoarthritis. Regular physical activity is one of them. Despite common concerns, running can be compatible with an active lifestyle aimed at lowering osteoarthritis risk. Keeping weight in a healthy range reduces strain on the knees, and a diet centered on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting refined and processed foods, supports overall health and may help protect the joints.
Family history does not determine your future
Osteoarthritis is different from conditions such as cancer and heart disease, yet its effects on health and quality of life can be significant. Millions manage the condition, and there are practical steps to reduce personal risk and support family health. While osteoarthritis can run in families, Cheng emphasized that having a parent or grandparent with the condition does not make it inevitable. Taking proactive steps can help lower the likelihood of developing it.