Gradually escalating knee pain is often indicative of which condition?

Gradually escalating knee pain typically suggests a degenerative process, which is a hallmark of osteoarthritis. This condition arises from the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, leading to increased friction and inflammation over time. As osteoarthritis progresses, individuals often experience a gradual increase in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially after activity or prolonged periods of inactivity.

In the early stages of osteoarthritis, pain may be intermittent, but as the condition worsens, the pain can become more constant and may be accompanied by swelling and a feeling of instability in the joint. This gradual progression is a distinguishing feature of osteoarthritis compared to acute injuries like meniscal tears, ACL injuries, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, which typically present with more sudden onset symptoms or specific incidents that trigger the pain.