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You climb the stairs, and your knee feels stiff. Walking for long distances brings on an aching pain. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with osteoarthritis of the knee – a common condition among older adults.
But if you’ve seen your medical report or doctor’s notes, you may notice a strange code: M17. This is the ICD-10 code for knee osteoarthritis, and understanding it can make your treatment journey clearer.
The good news? Surgery isn’t always the answer. With modern treatment options like Coreflex injection therapy, many patients find relief and return to an active lifestyle.
What is the ICD-10 Code for Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) is a system doctors use worldwide to record and classify health conditions.
For knee osteoarthritis, the ICD-10 code is M17. It breaks down further depending on whether the condition affects:
- M17.0 – Bilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee
- M17.1 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the knee
- M17.2–M17.5 – Secondary osteoarthritis (due to injury, obesity, or other conditions)
- M17.9 – Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified
This coding helps doctors, insurers, and healthcare providers communicate consistently, track treatment outcomes, and process insurance claims.
What Causes Osteoarthritis in the Knee?
Osteoarthritis (OA) happens when the protective cartilage in your knee wears down, leading to:
- Joint stiffness (especially in the morning)
- Pain after activity like walking or climbing stairs
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint
- Grinding or clicking sounds during movement
Key risk factors include:
- Age – natural wear and tear
- Obesity – extra weight adds pressure on knee joints
- Previous injury – fractures or ligament tears
- Genetics – family history of arthritis
- Occupation or sports – repetitive stress on the knees
How is Osteoarthritis of the Knee Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually combines:
- Physical examination – checking joint movement, stiffness, swelling
- Imaging – X-rays or MRI scans to assess cartilage loss
- Medical coding (ICD-10 M17) – for accurate record-keeping and insurance processing
At our clinic, we also use Painostic® assessment—a comprehensive evaluation of your posture, movement, and imaging results to identify the true pain source before treatment begins.
What Are the Non-Surgical Treatments for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain?
Most patients do not need knee replacement surgery right away. Effective non-surgical options include:
- Lifestyle changes – weight management, low-impact exercise, supportive footwear
- Physiotherapy – strengthening muscles around the knee for better support
- Oral medications – anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for short-term relief
- Coreflex injection therapy – targeted, minimally invasive knee injections under image guidance for precision pain relief
At DR+ Medical & Paincare, our Coreflex injection helps reduce inflammation, restore joint lubrication, and improve mobility – often in just 30 minutes per session.
When Should You See a Doctor for Knee Osteoarthritis?
You should consult a specialist if you experience:
- Persistent knee pain lasting more than 2 weeks
- Morning stiffness longer than 30 minutes
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing up
- Knee swelling that does not subside
- Grinding or locking of the knee joint
Early treatment can help slow down joint damage and maintain your quality of life.
Key Takeaway
The ICD-10 code for osteoarthritis of the knee is M17, a classification that ensures accurate diagnosis and proper treatment planning. But beyond the code, what matters most is addressing your symptoms early.
With the right treatment—especially advanced options like Coreflex injection therapy – you can relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the need for invasive surgery.
If knee pain is holding you back, don’t wait. Book an appointment with our team today and explore non-surgical solutions for long-term relief.
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