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The 4 Stages of Knee Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Progression, and Treatments

 

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where cartilage thins, bone structure changes, and inflammation increases pain and stiffness. The condition progresses gradually and affects movement, load tolerance, and daily function.

How is knee osteoarthritis staged?

Clinicians divide knee osteoarthritis into four stages based on cartilage loss, joint space narrowing, bone changes, pain intensity, and functional limitation. Each stage requires different management strategies.

What happens in Stage 1 knee osteoarthritis?

Stage 1 knee osteoarthritis shows minimal cartilage wear and early osteophyte formation. You often feel no pain or mild stiffness after activity. X-rays may show small bone spurs without joint space loss.

Management focus

  • Improves joint loading through exercise

  • Optimises movement and strength

What are the symptoms of Stage 2 knee osteoarthritis?

Stage 2 knee osteoarthritis causes mild but frequent pain, stiffness after walking, and reduced tolerance to impact. Cartilage thinning begins, and joint space narrowing becomes visible.

Treatment focus

  • Physiotherapy-led strengthening

  • Load modification strategies

  • Early consideration of injection for osteoarthritis if pain persists

How does Stage 3 knee osteoarthritis affect the knee?

Stage 3 knee osteoarthritis involves moderate cartilage loss, swelling, and persistent pain during daily activities. Walking distance reduces and stairs become difficult due to inflammation and joint stiffness.

Treatment options

  • Knee osteoarthritis injection for pain relief

  • Cortisone injections for knee arthritis in selected cases

  • Other osteoarthritis injections based on symptoms

What defines Stage 4 knee osteoarthritis?

Stage 4 knee osteoarthritis causes severe cartilage loss and near bone-on-bone contact. Pain is constant, joint movement is restricted, and daily tasks become challenging.

Advanced management

  • Injection for knee arthritis to manage pain

  • Long-term planning for joint preservation or surgery

How do knee injections for osteoarthritis help?

Knee injections for osteoarthritis reduce inflammation, improve joint comfort, and support movement when exercise alone is insufficient. Injections do not reverse arthritis but can improvethe quality of life.

What types of injections are used for knee osteoarthritis?

Common injection options for knee arthritis include:

  • Cortisone injections for knee arthritis to control inflammation

  • Other knee osteoarthritis injection options to support joint mechanics

Injection choice depends on disease stage and clinical findings.

What are Arthrosamid injections at the RAD Clinics?

Arthrosamid injections at the RAD Clinics use a non-biodegradable hydrogel designed to integrate with joint tissue. Arthrosamid injections in RAD Clinics aim to improve cushioning and reduce pain in moderate to advanced osteoarthritis.

Who may benefit from osteoarthritis injections?

Osteoarthritis injections suit people with ongoing knee pain, reduced mobility, and limited response to physiotherapy. Injection for osteoarthritis works best when combined with strength and movement rehabilitation.

How are knee osteoarthritis treatments selected?

Clinicians select treatment based on osteoarthritis stage, pain severity, activity goals, and imaging results. Knee injections for osteoarthritis are combined with exercise-based care to support long-term joint health.

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