Discover why knees hurt as you get older, and learn effective prevention and treatment strategies.
June 30, 2024
Knee pain is a prevalent issue that increases with age, impacting activities like walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily tasks. It underscores the importance of understanding and managing age-related knee changes to maintain mobility and independence.
There are multiple causes of knee pain in older adults. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains the most common reason, leading to lower limb disability. This condition affects approximately 4.4 million Canadians, a number that is expected to increase to 10 million in the next three decades due to longer life spans, reduced physical activity, and rising obesity rates. Pain is the primary symptom of OA, leading to disability, fatigue, and a decreased quality of life. The direct and indirect healthcare costs for OA in Canada were $27 billion in 2010.
Apart from OA, other causes of knee pain include injuries, overuse, excess body weight, inflammation, and other health conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and infections.
Aging brings about natural changes within the knee joint, leading to discomfort, pain, and mobility limitations. Excess body weight is the most significant and consistent risk factor for the onset and progression of knee OA. The excessive loads on the knee, inflammation, and the associated inactivity among overweight and obese individuals contribute to knee OA pathogenesis and pain.
As we age, the body's ability to recover from injury or inflammation diminishes, which can lead to prolonged knee pain. The wear and tear on the knee joints over time can result in the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage in the knees, leading to OA.
The aging process also involves a reduction in muscle mass and strength, which can further contribute to knee pain. Weak muscles cannot adequately support the knee joint, leading to increased pressure and strain on the knee.
Understanding these age-related knee changes is crucial for taking proactive measures to effectively address their impact. Orthopedic specialists offer various treatments for age-related knee changes, including non-surgical solutions like physical therapy, exercise, and medications, as well as surgical options such as knee arthroscopy and partial or total knee replacements.
Addressing knee pain, particularly as one ages, can involve a variety of approaches. Over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, and even acupuncture can all play a role in managing this common issue.
For individuals experiencing discomfort in their knees, over-the-counter medications can offer much-needed relief. Non-prescription drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are readily accessible and can help manage the pain associated with aging knees. These medications work by reducing inflammation, which is often a key contributor to knee pain. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and consult with a healthcare professional if the pain persists. Mayo Clinic
Physical therapy is another effective way to manage knee pain. Therapists can provide exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee, improving stability and reducing the strain on the joint. Balance and flexibility exercises can also help to alleviate knee pain, making it easier to move and lessening the chance of injury. Regular physical therapy sessions can play a vital role in maintaining knee health as you age.
For those seeking non-pharmacological interventions, acupuncture may be a viable option. This alternative medicine approach has been suggested to help manage the discomfort in the knee joint, particularly for those dealing with osteoarthritis. Research suggests that acupuncture can relieve knee pain by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, promoting increased blood flow and triggering your body's natural painkillers. Mayo Clinic
Each of these methods offers a unique approach to managing knee pain and improving joint health. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so it's important to explore different pain management strategies to find what works best for you. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment regimen.
Treating knee pain that arises due to aging involves diverse approaches. From injections that offer targeted relief to the use of arch supports for managing osteoarthritis, a spectrum of solutions is available. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary.
In some instances, knee pain can be managed through injections of medications or other substances directly into the knee joint. This targeted approach can help alleviate discomfort [3]. Some of the latest treatments being explored for knee osteoarthritis include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, autologous cultured chondrocytes, Botox injections, and water-cooled radiofrequency ablation. These treatments aim to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms. However, their efficacy and standard dosages are still under investigation.
A study involving 144 people found that more than 87% of those who received Maci, a procedure involving autologous cultured chondrocytes, had an improvement in symptoms over 2 years compared to 68% who underwent a different cartilage-stimulating procedure called microfracture.
Another effective method for managing knee pain, especially in cases of osteoarthritis, is the use of arch supports. Arch supports help distribute weight more evenly across the knee joint, reducing strain and discomfort. As with any treatment, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate use of arch supports for knee pain.
In severe cases of knee pain linked to aging, surgical interventions may be necessary. Orthopedic specialists offer various treatments for age-related knee changes, including knee arthroscopy and partial or total knee replacements [1].
Rehabilitation and recovery after knee surgery are crucial for addressing age-related knee changes. It involves preoperative conditioning, mental preparation, postoperative care, rehabilitation programs, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Understanding these treatment options can be a significant step towards managing the question, "Why do knees hurt as you get older?" Always consult with a healthcare professional to explore the best course of action for individual circumstances.
Preventing knee pain as one ages can be an achievable task through several strategies. These include the strengthening of muscles around the knee, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and partaking in low-impact exercises.
Strengthening the muscles that support the knee is vital in managing knee pain caused by various conditions, including age-related wear and tear. A stronger knee is more stable and can better bear weight and movement stress, reducing the risk of pain and injury [3].
Maintaining a healthy weight is an essential factor in managing and preventing knee pain. Excess weight puts additional stress on the knees and increases the risk of osteoarthritis, a common cause of knee pain in older adults. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, fish, and whole grains, can also help in prevention.
Engaging in regular low-impact and targeted exercises can help to build muscle strength around the knees and maintain joint flexibility, further preventing knee pain. Exercise intervention studies consistently show that exercise decreases pain and improves function in adults with OA [2]. However, it's important to note that the level of physical activity does not always directly correlate with the level of knee pain, and each individual's needs and abilities may vary.
Incorporating these preventive measures into daily routines can significantly contribute to better knee health as one ages. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or diet regimen to ensure it is safe and suitable for one's individual health needs.
Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in knee health, particularly as individuals get older. Factors such as daily habits, sleep and activity levels, and chronic inflammation can significantly impact knee pain and overall knee health.
Certain daily habits, like the number of steps taken, can influence knee health. For instance, a study found that daily step counts were associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA)-related pain, symptoms, functionality in daily living, duration of knee pain, blood pressure, and strength of hip abductor. It also observed that higher diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with a lower daily step count in patients with knee OA [6]. Therefore, maintaining an active lifestyle, such as increasing daily step counts, may help prevent adverse sedentary lifestyles and promote better knee health.
Sleep duration and eating behavior are also crucial lifestyle factors that play a role in the prevention of chronic diseases like OA. Shorter self-reported sleep duration has a significant association with a higher prevalence of knee or hip OA. The prevalence of OA was found to be the lowest at 6 to 7 hours of daily sleep duration [6]. Moreover, higher levels of daily physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior are recommended to control blood pressure in individuals with knee OA.
Inflammation plays a significant role in the progression of knee OA. Age-related increases in blood levels of inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are observed, indicating chronic, systemic, low-grade inflammation with aging. Elevated levels of CRP and IL-6 have been found in people with knee OA, and these pro-inflammatory markers are related to the risk of OA progression. Management of chronic inflammation through dietary and lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep, can potentially help in mitigating the progression of OA and alleviate knee pain.
Understanding the impact of lifestyle factors on knee health can offer insights into why knees hurt as you get older. By modifying daily habits, optimizing sleep and activity levels, and managing chronic inflammation, one can potentially mitigate the impact of aging on knee health.
Age-related changes in knee health are a significant factor in understanding why knees hurt as you get older. These changes are influenced by various factors including the development of medical conditions like osteoarthritis, the impact of inflammation on aging, and specific considerations for older adults experiencing knee pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is often described as a chronic degenerative disease and is thought to be an inevitable consequence of growing old. However, OA is not an unavoidable aspect of aging, as radiographic changes of OA, particularly osteophytes, are common in the aged population, but symptoms of joint pain may be independent of radiographic severity in many older adults. The severity of the disease is closely related to other OA risk factors such as joint injury, obesity, genetics, and anatomical factors affecting joint mechanics.
The knee is commonly affected by OA and is thought to account for the majority of disability from OA. The prevalence of radiographic knee OA increased with each decade of life from 33% among those aged 60–70 to 43.7% among those over 80 years of age. The prevalence of symptomatic knee OA in all subjects was 9.5% and increased with age in women but not men.
Chondrocytes in cartilage are prone to aging-related changes, with the aging changes observed in the cells and extracellular matrix of joint tissues likely increasing the susceptibility of older adults to OA when other OA risk factors are present. Aged chondrocytes respond poorly to growth factor stimulation and are unable to maintain homeostasis in the articular cartilage. The loss of chondrocytes due to an increased susceptibility to cell death appears to be important as well [8].
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of knee pain and lower limb disability in older adults. Approximately 4.4 million Canadians have OA, and this number is expected to increase to 10 million within 30 years due to increased longevity, reduced physical activity, and increased obesity. Pain is the most important OA symptom, contributing to disability, fatigue, and decreased quality of life. Direct and indirect health care costs for OA in Canada were $27 billion in 2010.
Addressing knee pain in older adults involves a multi-faceted approach, including medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and supportive therapies. It's vital to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options. Understanding the age-related changes in knee health can provide insights into managing knee pain effectively and improving overall quality of life.
[1]: https://rothmanortho.com/stories/blog/age-related-knee-changes-understanding-managing-and-thriving
[2]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4596631/
[3]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350855
[4]: https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ostearthritis-of-the-knee-degenerative-arthritis-of-the-knee
[5]: https://www.opaortho.com/elderly-knee-pain-treatment/
[6]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616066/
