Management of Knee Pain in Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review of Current Treatment Options

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis is a common and progressive musculoskeletal condition that contributes substantially to pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. The increasing diversity of available treatments highlights the need for an integrated understanding of their roles in clinical management. This narrative review aims to synthesize current therapeutic strategies for knee pain associated with osteoarthritis and examine their position within a stepwise treatment pathway. Relevant literature published between 2010 and 2025 was identified through PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect using keywords related to knee osteoarthritis, pain, risk factors, and treatment. The literature was synthesized across conservative, pharmacological, intra-articular, minimally invasive, and surgical approaches. The findings indicate that exercise, weight management, and lifestyle modification remain the foundation of treatment. Pharmacological therapies provide additional symptom control but may be limited by adverse effects. Platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid represent additional options for persistent symptoms, while genicular artery embolization and radiofrequency-based procedures may help bridge the treatment gap between conventional management and surgery. Total knee arthroplasty remains the definitive option for advanced disease. Overall, knee osteoarthritis management should follow a multimodal, individualized, and stepwise approach according to disease severity, functional limitations, treatment response, and patient characteristics