&Osteoarthritis of the knee=Osteoarthritis of the knee, also known as degenerative arthritis, is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis tends to be asymmetric in pattern and when it affects the knee pain is felt medially initially and then throughout the joint as it progresses. Pain is typically exacerbated by activity and relieved by rest). Patients often describe stiffness after inactivity lasting a few minutes (gelling), popping of joints, swelling and functional limitation. It is characterized on physical exam by firm swelling around the joint line, bony hypertrophy, crepitus and restricted range of motion. An effusion if present is non inflammatory. X-rays may show joint space narrowing, cystic changes, osteophytes and sclerosis.