Knee osteoarthritis — or gonarthrosis — is degeneration of the knee joint, which usually becomes clinically apparent in older patients (generally over 60). Gonarthrosis is more common in women and is characterised by progressive wear of the articular cartilage, which causes pain that intensifies over time.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Ion Bogdan Codorean, senior orthopaedics-traumatology physician. Updated: August 15, 2026.
Knee osteoarthritis (or gonarthrosis) is degeneration of the knee joint. Osteoarthritis affects all joints and is characterised pathologically by progressive degenerative damage to the hyaline articular cartilage, involving the subchondral bone, the synovium and the soft tissues around the joint, and clinically by pain, deformity and restricted movement in the affected joints.
The main symptom of gonarthrosis is knee pain. The pain usually appears in the morning or after a longer period of inactivity. It becomes chronic, though not constant in intensity, flaring up suddenly when the joint is overloaded — for example when going up or down stairs. The pain also becomes weather-dependent, appearing particularly in the colder months or with sudden changes in the weather. Over time the pain interferes with normal walking, and the patient's stride shortens.
Changes within the joint affect the entire muscular and ligamentous complex of the knee. Muscle wasting and joint instability develop which, in advanced stages, can increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Over time the pain is accompanied by clicking or grinding noises in the knee, repeated swelling, joint locking and clinically visible deformity. Diagnosis requires an orthopaedic consultation and imaging (X-rays and MRI).
Primary gonarthrosis generally begins between the ages of 40 and 50, particularly in post-menopausal women who are overweight and have varicose veins in the legs. The risk of gonarthrosis in women is 3–4 times higher than in men, but men are not spared the condition.
General factors that favour the development of osteoarthritic changes include endocrine disorders (ovarian insufficiency, menopause), metabolic disorders (particularly obesity) and genetic factors (fragile articular cartilage, patellar and femorotibial dysplasia).
Common causes:
Genetic inheritance plays an important role, often in the form of generalised osteoarthritis, with premature cartilage degeneration in several joints.
The most important thing to know is that there is no curative treatment for gonarthrosis. In most cases the treatments below need to be combined, on the recommendation of an orthopaedic surgeon.
It is essential to prevent gonarthrosis, particularly by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and an ideal weight from a young age. Physical exercise improves joint mobility and prevents wasting of the muscles around the joint. Swimming is recommended, with attention to correct technique.
There is no definitive remedy, but therapies can relieve symptoms and slow the degeneration:
Conservative treatments can delay the need for surgery, which can range from simple to complex:
The orthopaedic surgeon decides on the indication for surgery after a specialist consultation (a discussion with the patient and imaging investigations).
Dr. Codorean offers a precise diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.