Inflammation and Degeneration of the Knee Joint
Felix Weber
2026-03-21
2 min. read
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There are three types of degenerative diseases that can occur within the knee joint. The most common type is degenerative joint disease, which is a progressive condition that leads to chronic damage to the joint cartilage. The second type is rheumatoid arthritis, which can occur at any age. There can also be degenerative joint disease as a consequence of an acute injury to the knee, such as a meniscus tear, ligament strain, or knee dislocation.
Gradual intensification of joint pain in degenerative knee joint disease
Joint discomfort can worsen gradually, but sometimes it occurs abruptly. Early indications include pain that arises in the early morning hours or following physical exertion. Knees may exhibit painful reactions to descending stairs, rising from a seated position, or when kneeling. Persistent knee pain that interferes with nighttime sleep may be a symptom of degenerative joint disease.
Swelling and touch sensitivity
In the course of degenerative illness, there are recurrent inflammatory episodes... Peripheral swelling may be more apparent following a longer period of inactivity, such as upon awakening in the morning. The skin surrounding the knee may exhibit redness and/or warmth to touch.
Hops, taps and blocking
As the disease progresses over time, the knee muscles may weaken, and the entire joint surface of the knee may lose stability. There may be a displacement of the knee during limb loading, such as during walking. The knee can also often be blocked, and its range of motion in bending and straightening may be limited. These symptoms can appear and disappear without an apparent cause.
Mobility restriction in the course of arthritis
In the course of arthritis, there is a progressive deterioration in joint mobility, making even the simplest movements challenging or even impossible to carry out. This disease gradually leads to degenerative changes in cartilage tissue, which can result in a significant reduction in the patient's mobility and movement abilities. In severe cases, the progression of the disease can lead to such a severe impairment of walking ability that movement will become impossible without the use of canes or walkers.
The reduction of space within the joint's interior
The radiological examination of the knee is a very helpful diagnostic tool because it enables the detection of a decreased area within the joint, which is the reason for strange sounds and restricted mobility. Furthermore, bone outgrowths can be observed on the edges of the joint surfaces, which are highly characteristic indications of degenerative joint disease.
Joint alterations
Advancing arthritis frequently leads to changes in the shape of the knee. The muscles surrounding the knee joint can become significantly weakened, and the knee may shift more inward, resulting in a crooked stance.