4 Signs You Have Arthritis in Your Knees

If you have some problems with your knees, then there is a chance that you have arthritis in them. This condition commonly affects joints in the body.

How can you tell if you have arthritic knees?

1. Your Knees Hurt

If you have arthritic knees, then you'll probably have some pain in these joints. This pain manifests itself in different ways.

For example, your knees might hurt when you get up out of a sitting or lying position and start walking; your pain then eases as you walk more. Or, your knees might hurt most of the time whether you're moving or not.

Sometimes, arthritis pain changes with the weather. So, your knees might feel more painful when the weather is cold or rainy. They might feel better in warmer weather.

2. You've Lost Some Mobility

Arthritis in the knees can affect your mobility. Your knees might feel stiff some or all of the time. They might feel like they lock into a fixed position some of the time.

You'll find it hard to walk normally if your joints feel stiff and uncomfortable. Some people also sometimes feel that one of their knees is buckling, especially when they get up from a seated or lying position. They feel that their knee can't hold their weight and might give way.

3. Your Knees Make Noises

Arthritic knees often start to make unusual noises. For example, your knees might click or make popping noises when you get up out of a chair or out of bed.

This clicking and popping is sometimes painless, especially in the early days of arthritis. However, your knee might ultimately hurt until it clicks or pops in these scenarios. You'll feel like the click or pop puts the knee back into position.

4. Your Knees Are Swollen

Arthritis sometimes makes your knees feel and look swollen and inflamed. You might feel that your knees look bigger than they used to.

Plus, the skin around your knees might feel hotter than the rest of your legs. If you hold your knees and compare their warmth with your thighs or calves, then your knees could well feel warmer. They might also look red and flushed compared to other areas of your body.

If your knees don't feel as mobile as they once were or are giving you pain and discomfort, then make an appointment to see your GP. They can diagnose whether you do have arthritis and, if so, can help you manage the problem.