Knee Osteoarthritis: Symptoms and Diagnosis.

Published at 31 December 2025

Knee osteoarthritis, also known as knee joint inflammation, is a common condition affecting approximately 46% of people, usually after the age of forty. It occurs due to the degeneration of cartilage in the knee joint, often caused by excess weight, aging, or improper physical practices.(1) Discover the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and how it is diagnosed.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is associated with a variety of symptoms that usually develop gradually over months or years, including:(1)(2)

Knee pain: This is the most common symptom of knee osteoarthritis. Pain typically worsens when the joint is stressed or after sitting for long periods without movement.
Stiffness: Stiffness usually lasts less than half an hour and occurs especially in the early morning or after prolonged sitting.
Clicking sounds: Some people hear cracking or popping when moving the knee joint.
Limited range of motion: The knee may lose its ability to bend as it normally would.
Swelling: In some cases, swelling may occur due to the accumulation of synovial fluid (joint fluid) resulting from cartilage wear and joint friction.

Diagnosing Knee Osteoarthritis

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is important to see a doctor promptly. The physician will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.(3)

Here are the main methods used to diagnose knee osteoarthritis:

Physical Examination

After discussing your symptoms, the doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to identify the location of pain and any accompanying signs. You may be asked to walk a short distance so the doctor can observe your movement and ensure the condition is not affecting your gait.(4)

Often, the doctor will also examine the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the knee to confirm they are healthy and rule out injuries that may cause similar symptoms.(4)

Imaging Tests

Doctors often recommend imaging of the knee, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to assess the condition of the cartilage, bones, and joint. These images also reveal any abnormal changes associated with knee osteoarthritis. (5)(3)

Blood Tests

There is no specific blood test to diagnose knee osteoarthritis. However, blood tests can help rule out other types of joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. (3)(4)

Other Methods

In most cases, the above examinations are sufficient to diagnose knee osteoarthritis. In rare cases, additional tests may be requested to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, including:(5)

Synovial fluid analysis: A small sample of joint fluid is withdrawn with a fine needle and sent to a lab for testing.
Arthroscopy: A small incision is made near the knee joint, and a thin tube with a camera is inserted, allowing the doctor to view the inside of the joint and assess the extent of damage.

Do not ignore knee pain or swelling. Book an appointment today at the Orthopedics and Trauma Department at Al-Ahli Hospital. Our department is equipped with the latest devices and modern techniques for joint disease diagnosis, and our team of expert doctors provides comprehensive healthcare.

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