Knee Problems Tend To Flare Up As You Age – An Orthopedic Specialist Explains Available Treatment Options

Dec 17, 2024
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Knee Problems Tend To Flare Up As You Age – An Orthopedic Specialist Explains Available Treatment Options. (Image: Canva)

Aging with grace is what we all want, but it’s not always as expected. As we age, our body goes through multiple challenges and one such common challenge is knee pain. Wear and tear on the knees leads to discomfort, reduced mobility, and chronic conditions like osteoarthritis as we keep aging. To improve the quality of our life, it is essential to understand why knee problems occur as we age and exploring lifestyle and treatment choices.

Why Knee Problems Increase with Age?

Everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking, standing can cause stress to the knee which is a weight bearing joint. Cartilage, which cushions our joint wears down over time, which leads to inflammation and bone-on-bone friction. The body also looses the ability to repair tissues as we age, making our knee more prone to degeneration and injuries. Additionally, the body’s ability to repair tissues slows with age, making the knees more susceptible to injury and degeneration. In older adults, conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and patellar tendinitis are more common.

Symptoms of Age-Related Knee Problems

  • Persistent pain or discomfort, especially after activity.
  • Stiffness in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
  • Swelling or redness around the knee joint.
  • Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods.

Preventive Measures

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight places additional stress on the knees, accelerating cartilage wear and tear.
  2. Exercise Regularly: Low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and yoga can strengthen muscles around the knee without overloading the joint.
  3. Stretch Daily: Stretching improves flexibility and reduces stiffness, enhancing overall joint health.
  4. Use Supportive Footwear: Properly fitted shoes with good arch support can help reduce stress on the knees.

Treatment Options

For those already experiencing knee pain, a range of treatments can help manage symptoms and improve mobility:
  • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen muscles, reduce pain, and improve joint stability.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers can alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling.
  • Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections can provide temporary relief for inflamed or deteriorating joints.
  • Regenerative Medicine: At RegenOrthoSport, cutting-edge treatments like Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) therapy offer a non-surgical option for knee pain. This approach harnesses the body’s natural healing properties to repair damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation.

Expert Insights

Dr. Venkatesh Movva, a renowned orthopedic specialist at RegenOrthoSport, explains, “Age-related knee problems can significantly impact daily life. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, including regenerative therapies, can restore function and alleviate pain effectively.”
Knee pain doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle. With proper care and timely intervention, it’s possible to keep moving and enjoying life, no matter your age.
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