As we age, it’s easy to assume that aches and pains, especially in the knees, are just part of the package. But what if I told you that living with chronic knee pain doesn’t have to be your reality? You don’t have to live with the discomfort! At The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice, we believe in helping you understand why knee pain in old age occurs and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

Understanding Knee Pain in the Elderly

Knee pain in the elderly can stem from various causes, and pinpointing the exact reason is the first step toward effective elderly knee pain treatment. Here are some common culprits:

Common Causes

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent form of arthritis affecting the knees, characterized by the gradual wearing away of cartilage in the joint.
• Tendonitis: Overuse or repetitive motions can lead to inflammation of the tendons around the knee. Activities like running or cycling are often the cause.
• Mechanical Issues: Injuries such as falls, blows to the knee, sprains, or twists can result in sudden knee pain elderly.
• Old Injuries: Even injuries from years ago, like that ACL tear from high school, can resurface and cause pain as you age.

Treatment Options for Knee Pain

The good news is that numerous treatment options are available to alleviate knee pain in elderly treatment. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your pain and create a tailored plan.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers might be sufficient for mild pain. However, your doctor may prescribe something stronger to address the underlying cause, especially if it’s osteoarthritis.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint can provide significant relief, particularly for tendonitis or mechanical issues. A physical therapist can design specific exercises to target the source of your pain.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Hyaluronic acid injections can lubricate the joint, making movement easier and less painful. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a newer option that uses your own blood platelets to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
• Patient Education: Education can improve patient knowledge, and develop self-management and life skills.

Surgical Treatments

• Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure is often used to repair knee injuries with a relatively short recovery period.
• Knee Replacement Surgery: When the damage is too extensive, partial or total knee replacement may be necessary. Modern replacement joints are made of durable materials designed to last.

Managing Knee Pain at Home

In addition to professional medical care, here are some things you can do at home to manage knee pain in elderly woman:

• Exercise: Exercise-based therapy is the first-line treatment for knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your knees.
• Rest and Ice: When pain flares up, rest the knee and apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Proper Footwear: Wear supportive shoes with good shock absorption.

The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice: Your Partner in Knee Pain Relief

Don’t let knee pain dictate your life! At The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address knee pain in the elderly. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you regain your mobility and live a pain-free life.

[Click here to learn more about our approach to knee pain in older patients.

Conclusion

Knee pain in elderly treatment has come a long way, and you don’t have to simply accept it as an inevitable part of aging. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can find relief and get back to doing the things you love.