Knee Osteoarthritis: Something to Worry about or Normal Wear and Tear?

By Dr. Joseph Mejia, DO, FAAPMR
Medical Director, Performance Ortho

Signs of Knee Osteoarthritis vs. Normal Wear and Tear

Knee discomfort becomes more common as we age, but not all stiffness or soreness should be dismissed as “just getting older.” While occasional aches after a long day or workout may fall under normal wear and tear, knee osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that goes beyond typical aging and involves structural changes inside the joint.

At Performance Ortho, we’ve treated thousands of cases of osteoarthritis over the past 25+ years, with varying levels of severity in our clinics. While every patient’s symptoms and subsequent treatment plans are unique, the first step is understanding and differentiating the signs and symptoms to begin working towards long-term relief.

At Performance Ortho, we guide patients through each stage of Osteoarthritis care with personalized plans that focus on return to activity and long-term health to align each patient’s personal goals.

 

OA vs. Wear and Tear: Understanding the Difference

 

What Is “Normal Wear and Tear”?

Normal wear and tear refers to the subtle, expected joint changes that naturally occur over time. This often includes:

• Mild stiffness or soreness after extended activity
• Discomfort that improves with rest
• A gradual decrease in flexibility or ease of movement with age

These sensations tend to be temporary, predictable and manageable.

 

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative condition. It occurs when protective cartilage in the knee slowly breaks down, causing friction, inflammation, and joint instability. OA is generally:

• Progressive: Symptoms worsen over time
• Inflammatory: Swelling, warmth, and stiffness are common
• Structural: Involving cartilage loss, bone changes, and sometimes deformity

As Dr. Joseph Mejia explains:

“Knee osteoarthritis is different than your standard wear and tear, it’s the joint signaling that something more critical is happening. When patients understand that difference, they’re empowered to seek the right kind of help.”

 

Key Signs your OA is More Than Normal Aging

 

Persistent or Deep Knee Pain:

Pain that lingers beyond activity or persists when at rest is a common sign of OA. Patients often notice pain after sitting for long periods, nighttime aching and discomfort with cold, damp or sudden changes in weather. Unlike general soreness, this pain tends to become more consistent and harder to ignore over time.

Prolonged Morning Stiffness:

A telltale sign of osteoarthritis is stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes after waking up or performing basic movement. This stiffness often returns after inactivity, such as sitting at a desk or driving. This occurs due to inflammatory changes inside the joint.

Swelling and Warmth Around the Knee

Swelling, puffiness, or warmth are signs of active inflammation, which is not something typically seen with basic age-related changes and signals something more acute. These symptoms can stem from excess joint fluid to ongoing cartilage breakdown.

Grinding, Clicking, or Popping 

Crepitus, which is any popping, clicking, or grating sounds and sensations in joints or soft tissues during movement, can occur for many reasons. With OA specifically, the grinding or crackling sensation tends to come from roughened joint surfaces and/or cartilage loss. When paired with pain, stiffness or swelling, this becomes more concerning.

Loss of Range of Motion

Patients with knee OA may notice increasing difficulty fully bending or straightening their knee, going up or down stairs and walking long distances. Overall, reduced mobility is one of the clearest distinctions between OA and simple age-related ailments.

Visible Joint Changes

In more advanced stages, structural changes can become noticeable. These can include:

• • Bowing of the legs / knock knee deformity 

• • Bone spurs that alter joint contour

• • Changes in walking pattern or alignment

How Performance Ortho Can Help

Performance Ortho offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options designed to target the true source of your OA. At Performance, we don’t subscribe to guesswork. On your first visit, a standing X-ray analysis is performed to evaluate for arthritis, specifically looking at the joint space between the knee bones. The physician will also perform a diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate for joint swelling as well as tendon and ligament damage.

Our collaborative care team will employ a full suite of diagnostic interventions to develop a full-scope approach to your care. What makes us unique is our surgeons, physicians and therapists working side-by-side to ensure the most seamless outcomes possible for our patients. Depending on your condition, your care plan may include the following interventions:

Regenerative Therapies (PRP & Stem Cell Treatments)

These innovative treatment options help stimulate natural healing and may reduce pain and inflammation for certain arthritis cases. Performance Ortho is a regional pioneer in regenerative therapies, helping thousands of patients unlock healing naturally and without surgery.

Gel Injections

This treatment helps improve lubrication and cushioning within the joint, especially for moderate osteoarthritis. This intervention is typically paired with therapy and strengthening.

FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY 

Focused shockwave therapy delivers precise acoustic energy deep into the knee, stimulating tissue regeneration, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation. This helps decrease pain and improve mobility for patients with knee arthritis.

Physical Therapy & Strengthening Programs

Targeted strengthening of the quadriceps, hips, and core can significantly improve joint mechanics and reduce stress on the knee.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches

For cases where conservative treatments are not enough, Performance Ortho provides advanced minimally invasive procedures that prioritize rapid recovery and long-term joint stability.

Dr. Mejia reinforces the importance of early evaluation:

“You don’t need to wait for severe pain to get answers. The earlier we identify osteoarthritis, the more options we have to control symptoms and protect the joint.”

 

Contact Performance Ortho for More Information

Are you or a loved one dealing with joint-related pain or simply unsure if your pain is a sign of aging or something more severe? Book an appointment with our New Jersey orthopedic clinics in Branchburg, Somerset, Watchung, and Hillsborough. Our compassionate team combines advanced diagnostics with patient-focused care to guide you through every step of your diagnosis and recovery.

Performance Ortho is here to help you regain movement, reduce pain, and live life with confidence.