Ailing knee after 40

Ailing knee after 40

If you are experiencing knee pain after the age of 40, there are a number of potential causes. Some common causes of knee pain in this age group include:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes the protective cartilage in your joints to wear down over time, leading to pain and stiffness.

• Meniscal tears: The meniscus is a cushion of cartilage in your knee that can become damaged or torn, leading to pain and instability.

• Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons around your knee, which can cause pain and stiffness.

• Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints, which can cause pain and swelling.

• Dislocated kneecap: A dislocated kneecap occurs when the knee cap moves out of place, leading to pain and instability.

If you are experiencing knee pain, it's important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. They can perform a physical examination and possibly use imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to diagnose the cause of your pain and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain medications, cortisone injections, or in severe cases, surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and using knee supports can also help to reduce knee pain and improve overall joint health.