Knee osteoarthritis is, by definition, a degenerative disease. This means that most people don’t wake up one day with debilitating symptoms. Instead, it’s a slow build; a gradual pain that gets steadily worse over time. This is why it usually begins to peak among people in their mid to late 60s.

It’s fitting that it’s commonly referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, which means that the earlier you intervene the better. So understanding the five ascending stages of knee osteoarthritis goes hand in hand with preventing joint damage. As they say, knowledge is power. Here’s how Healthline breaks down each stage:

Stage 0

Hooray for healthy knees! Having stage 0 osteoarthritis means not having the condition at all. As for impaired joint pain and function, you’ll have nothing to report.

Stage 1

When you have knee osteoarthritis, there’s usually some degree of cartilage breakdown. Cartilage (a.k.a. the soft tissue that essentially serves as shock absorbers between bones) is critical for healthy, pain-free movements. During stage 1 knee osteoarthritis, you may not have actual cartilage breakdown, but Medical News Today reports that small bone lumps may begin to grow in the area around the knee. Still, there may be no symptoms at all and most doctors don’t recommend formal treatment at this point.

Stage 2

This is when most people start noticing symptoms because that protective cartilage is indeed starting to thin. This often results in stiffness and pain, but the good news is that the space in between the bones has yet to narrow. (When it does, the bones actually rub against each other, causing more severe pain.) At this stage, keeping your weight in check and keeping up with regular physical activity can ease discomfort.

Stage 3

Remember that space between the bones we mentioned above? With stage 3 knee osteoarthritis, this space becomes smaller and smaller, and the cartilage has done a good amount of thinning. Swelling and pain are par for the course, though anti-inflammatory drugs may help. Opting for a knee brace may also make a big difference.

Stage 4

At this point, that protective space is even narrower—and this friction can cause extreme pain. What’s more, the knee often feels stiff since there isn’t as much fluid surrounding the joint. Your treatment options may look bleak, but surgery isn’t your only option.

Suffering with knee osteoarthritis? Rejuvinix has spearheaded an innovative, non-surgical treatment series to help kick discomfort and improve joint function for good. With joint surgery being such a risky affair, we’re driven to find new, cutting-edge ways to treat knee osteoarthritis and prolong mobility. Arrange a free informational consult with Rejuvinix today to learn more about your options.