Symptoms > Arthritis Symptoms By Body Part > The Knee

The Knee

The knee is the joint where the bones of the lower and upper legs meet. The largest joint in the body, the knee moves like a hinge, allowing you to sit, squat, walk or jump. When knee problems arise, they can interfere with almost all of your daily activities. Here's what you need to know about the knee and how to take care of this powerful, yet vulnerable joint.

Knee Anatomy
An inside look at the structure of the knee

Arthritis and Diseases that Affect the Knee
From cartilage breakdown to infections in the joint, problems that may be to blame for painful knees

Knee Injury
Common and some not-so-common injuries of this vulnerable joint

Diagnosing Knee Problems
From blood work to X-rays, tests your doctor uses to find the cause of your knee pain

Lab Tests for Knee Problems
Tests that tell what's going on inside your body

Imaging Tests
Tests that tell what's going on inside your body

Medications to Treat Knees
What you need to know about the many medications used for knee problems

Injections and Procedures
What to try if oral medications don't provide enough relief and you're not ready for surgery

Knee Surgery
Knee replacement, arthroscopy, other surgical options for knee problems

Exercises to Strengthen Knee and Relieve Pain
How exercise can help your knees, and moves you need to try

Weight Loss for Pain Relief
Good advice for losing weight and how doing so can help your knees

Ways to Prevent Pain and Get Around
Braces, canes and other helpful devices and tips for managing knee pain

Preventing Knee Problems
Same measures used to treat knee problems can be used to prevent them in the first place