Many people dismiss knee pain as "just part of getting older." But minor aches can be the early warning signs of osteoarthritis.

Detecting arthritis early gives you the best chance to slow its progression and delay—or even prevent—the need for surgery.

Here are the signs you should watch out for.

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1. The "Start-Up" Stiffness

Do you feel stiff when you first get out of bed in the morning? Or when you stand up after sitting at a desk or in a movie theatre for an hour?

• This is called inactivity stiffness or the "gelling phenomenon."
• In early arthritis, this stiffness usually goes away after a few minutes of walking as the joint lubricates itself.

2. Pain During Specific Activities

Early arthritis doesn't hurt all the time. You might feel fine walking on flat ground, but notice pain when:

• Climbing stairs (especially going down).
• Squatting or kneeling.
• Getting in and out of a car.

This indicates that the cartilage is under stress when the knee is bent under load.

3. Crepitus (Noisy Knees)

Do you hear a grinding, clicking, or cracking sound when you move your knee?

• This is called crepitus.
• It happens when the smooth cartilage surface becomes rough or uneven. While noise alone isn't always bad, noise plus pain is a strong sign of wear.

4. Swelling After Activity

Does your knee look slightly puffy after a long walk or a day of shopping?

• This is inflammation. The joint lining (synovium) produces extra fluid in response to irritation from the rough cartilage.

5. Loss of Range of Motion

You might notice you can't bend your knee as far as you used to (like trying to touch your heel to your buttock) or fully straighten it flat on the bed.

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What Should You Do?

If you notice these signs:

1. Don't Panic: It's manageable.
2. Stay Active: Motion is lotion. Gentle exercise helps.
3. Manage Weight: Every kilo lost reduces 4 kilos of pressure on the knee.
4. See a Specialist: An early X-ray can confirm the diagnosis.

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Takeaway

Listening to your body's whispers now can prevent it from screaming later.

If you have these early signs, consult Dr. Abhijit Kale for a preventative care plan.