Osteoarthritis may be more challenging to diagnose in its early stages but easier to spot in later stages. The doctor will look for signs that cartilage has worn away or that bony growths have developed where the cartilage should be.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can help confirm a diagnosis. Range of motion tests can show whether or not osteoarthritis has affected knee function. stiffness in the morning or after resting that improves after 30 minutes.a grating feeling whenever they move the knee.cracking or popping sounds in the knee, known as crepitus.To diagnose tricompartmental osteoarthritis, a doctor may:įor example, they may ask if the person has symptoms such as: Loss of cartilage or the synovium or joint lining may be more widespread. People often consider tricompartmental osteoarthritis to be worse than other forms of knee osteoarthritis, as it affects the whole knee. Osteoarthritis can occur in any of these compartments, but tricompartmental osteoarthritis happens when it involves all three compartments. the lateral femorotibial compartment, or the outside of the knee.the medial femorotibial compartment, or the inside of the knee.the patellofemoral compartment, which is where the kneecap and femur meet.The meeting of these bones creates the three compartments in the knee: The femur connects from above, and the patella, or kneecap, sits just atop the femur and the connecting cartilage. The tibia and fibula connect from below the joint. Symptoms will appear gradually and typically include stiffness, pain, and swelling in the knee joint due to a buildup of fluid.įour bones meet at the knee.

People sometimes call it wear-and-tear arthritis, as it happens when the cartilage in the joints breaks down over time.Ĭhanges that cause damage over time are called degenerative changes. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees. Share on Pinterest Image Source/Getty Images

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