Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage between joints wears away and bones rub against each other without the natural cushioning. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling and restricted ability to move. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a form of arthritis affecting the knee joint which usually occurs in people above the age of 45. However, it can also affect younger individuals. This may be due to genetic mutations that lend a susceptibility to the disease, obesity, inherited abnormalities around the knee joint, repetitive stress injuries and other clinical conditions such as excess growth hormone or iron overload disorders. Knee osteoarthritis can take several years to develop. It progresses in stages with symptoms ranging from minor to severe. An examination of the joints, evaluation of their range of motion, blood tests, fluid scan tests and MRI scans can help establish a diagnosis. The treatment of knee osteoarthritis depends on the stage of progress
