When one experiences arthritis, knee pain is one of the most common symptoms there is. It is often referred to as osteoarthritis.

If an individual has arthritis, knee pain can often be very uncomfortable and can often lead to soreness or swelling. This is because the cartilage in the knee has been damaged. This cartilage is the one that covers the bone and protects it if it comes in contact with other surfaces. The protective cartilage also serves as a shock absorber. When this cartilage wears and tears and eventually degenerates, that is when the individual experiences osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. As the condition worsens, the cartilage that protects the joints becomes thinner and thinner. When this happens, it can be very painful and movement in the joint becomes very limited.

What causes osteoarthritis anyway? The causes exactly have not yet been proven, but there have been some factors that are considered to be common in people who develop arthritis. These factors include the following:

1. Weight - When one has arthritis, knee pain is very common because of the weight carried by the joints in the knee. The heavier the weight, the faster progression of the condition.

2. Heredity - Arthritis has also been studied to run in the family because of a defective gene found in the body which is responsible for the production of the cartilages.

3. Previous Traumas or Injuries - If an individual has experienced previous injuries in the knee area, the risk of developing arthritis becomes higher.

4. Overuse of the Joints - Repetitive use of the joints due to excessive physical activities can cause strain on the joints after a period of time.

Individuals who develop osteoarthritis usually feel common symptoms which include pain and discomfort in the joint, inflammation of the joint, limited movement, stiffness or numbness, tingling sensations, and sometimes even a grinding sound when the joint is moved. People who develop osteoarthritis of the knee are usually those who are above 50 years of age, and are mostly female.

It is also common among those who are active in sports. The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually develop or progress at different paces over the years, depending on the individual's condition.

To have your condition checked on whether you do have osteoarthritis in the knee, the physician usually will run some tests to assess what kind of pain you are feeling and how severe the pain is. He or she will then take an X-ray or an MRI scans depending on the patient's condition. In some cases, blood samples may be needed so that they will be able to check whether other types of arthritis are involved.

There are many types of treatments available to help cure osteoarthritis in the knee. These treatments include weight loss, knee supports such as canes, crutches, or braces, getting involved in an exercise program, and in some cases surgical knee replacement. In all cases, exercise is very important in slowing down the progression of the disease.