Knee pain is extremely common, especially as people get older.
One of the most frequent causes is osteoarthritis, a condition that slowly changes the tissues inside the joint and can make everyday activities painful.
The knee is a large joint where several bones meet. In a healthy knee, smooth cartilage covers the ends of the bones and helps them move over one another with very little friction.
Osteoarthritis develops when this protective tissue and other parts of the joint begin to break down. As the condition progresses, the knee may become painful, stiff or swollen, and bending or straightening the leg can become more difficult.
Dr. Abby Cheng of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis says the effects can go far beyond an aching knee. Pain and stiffness can reduce activity, increase the risk of falls and affect mood and overall quality of life.
This can create a difficult cycle. When movement hurts, people may exercise less, but being less active can weaken the muscles that support the knee and may make daily movement even harder.
Low physical activity can also affect the rest of the body. Regular movement helps protect against conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, so long-term knee problems can have wider health consequences.
Osteoarthritis is very common in the United States. More than 30 million adults have some form of the condition, and the knee is one of the joints most often affected.
Although osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, it is not only a disease of very old people. Many people develop it during their working years, which means knee pain can also affect employment, income and family life.
Several factors can raise the risk. Older age, being female, having a previous knee injury and having relatives with osteoarthritis are among them.
Body weight and muscle strength also matter. Extra body weight places more force on the knees during walking, while weak leg muscles may provide less support for the joint.
The encouraging part is that people can take steps to protect their knees even when they cannot change their age or family history. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and strengthening the muscles around the knee can all help.
Cheng points out that even modest weight loss can make a noticeable difference for someone who is overweight. Losing about 10 pounds, or 4.5 kilograms, can reduce the force placed on the knee by roughly 40 pounds, or 18 kilograms, with each step.
Exercise is also an important part of treatment. Strengthening the thigh muscles can improve support around the knee and may make walking, climbing stairs and getting out of a chair easier.
People sometimes worry that exercise will wear out their knees faster. However, suitable physical activity is generally encouraged, and even recreational running does not automatically cause knee osteoarthritis in otherwise healthy people.
Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are. Some people benefit from exercise programs, physical therapy, knee braces and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Doctors may also use injections to reduce pain in selected patients. When osteoarthritis becomes severe and other treatments no longer provide enough relief, knee replacement surgery may be considered.
Food choices may play a supporting role as well. Cheng recommends a diet containing plenty of plant foods and fewer highly processed and sugary foods, which can support overall health and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
There is no single food, supplement or exercise that can cure osteoarthritis. The most effective approach is usually a combination of healthy weight management, regular movement, muscle strengthening and medical treatment when needed.
People with persistent knee pain should not simply assume that aging is the cause. A health professional can check whether osteoarthritis, an injury or another condition is responsible and help develop a treatment plan.
The broader message is that family history does not determine a person’s future. Someone whose parents or grandparents had osteoarthritis may have a higher risk, but there are still practical ways to protect joint health.
This advice and analysis come from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The information highlights an important point: osteoarthritis is common and can seriously affect daily life, but early action may reduce symptoms and help people remain active for longer.
The strongest part of this guidance is its focus on realistic changes rather than a quick cure. Weight management and stronger leg muscles cannot reverse every case of knee damage, but they address important factors that people can influence and can improve function even when arthritis is already present.
Source: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
