Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Knee osteoarthritis, a common condition affecting millions, involves the breakdown of cartilage within the knee joint. This breakdown primarily occurs in the articular cartilage, which is a smooth, strong layer covering the ends of the femur and tibia, and also beneath the patella (kneecap). As this cartilage deteriorates, it leads to inflammation, swelling, pain, and stiffness. The knee joint, formed by the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shinbone), also contains the meniscus, a thick piece of cartilage acting as a shock absorber. While a damaged meniscus is distinct from articular cartilage damage, the two are often connected in the context of knee osteoarthritis. The condition can arise from injuries, general wear-and-tear, chronic low-grade inflammation, and even joint biochemistry. Changes in the knee due to osteoarthritis can also include the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs) at the joint, subchondral bone sclerosis (hardening of bone surfaces below the cartilage), and the development of bone lesio... 
