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Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting about 528 million adults worldwide.

It is more than "old age" or "wear and tear." OA affects the entire joint, not just the cartilage and bone, and includes the soft tissue structures around the knee (ligaments and tendons) and the muscles around the knee.

In my work as a rheumatologist, patients often ask me about how to manage their knee arthritis. It's an important question because this is the most common type of arthritis in adults worldwide, and here's what I tell them based on my clinical experience and the latest medical evidence.

Symptoms start with pain or discomfort with activities, like climbing the stairs. Over time, the pain can become more constant with episodes of more intense pain, described as "flares."

Pain, interference with activities and limitations in physical function are common reasons for people to seek medical care.

The diagnosis of knee OA can be made by a primary care provider, though they may also refer to specialists in sports medicine, rheumatology and orthopedic surgery. For patients who see a rheumatologist, the discussion may include the need for additional testing for conditions other than OA.

Some people confuse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with OA. The main difference is that RA belongs to a group of conditions in which a dysfunctional immune system is the main driver of pain and swelling in the joints.

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