A midlife crisis can hit us in our 40s and 50s. It is that phase in life. When work security is established, family life is stable and there’s a yearning for something different. It is also during this period in our lives that the body begins to feel the strains of our yesteryears, and joints begin to ache.
Learn about your healthcare needs as you age and speak with any one of our specialists about any health concerns your family members may have.
Knee arthritis and joint pain
One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. There are 2 major forms of arthritis – osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis (also known as rheumatoid arthritis).
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the load-related wear-and-tear of the body’s joints, is more common and usually begins after age 40. The disease affects 35% of adults aged 65 and older and is the leading cause of mobility disabilities such as difficulty walking or climbing the stairs.
Inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can occur in people of all ages. It is a systemic disease, which affects เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา the entire body therefore, inflammatory arthritis can affect other organs, including the heart and lungs, in addition to the joints.
Knee osteoarthritis
The first sign of osteoarthritis in the knee is usually pain. This is most commonly felt at the front or sides of the knee with when climbing stairs or kneeling. As the condition progresses, even walking on flat ground can get affected.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are more likely to develop over time. These include:
- Pain in the knees when getting up from a seated position or while climbing stairs
- Knee swelling or tenderness, which may be worse upon waking in the morning or after a period of inactivity
- Buckling or locking of the knee
- Sensation of grinding, or cracking or popping sounds. When the knee bends and straightens (crepitus)
- Progressive stiffness or reduced range of motion, owing to pain, swelling or the breakdown of cartilage that makes it difficult to bend the knees smoothly
- Crookedness or deformity of the knees as muscles weaken and joint damage worsens
As joint damage cannot reverse, it is important to seek advice early so. That lifestyle changes and treatment can slow the progress of the disease.
Causes and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears away hence it is more common in older people. The following factors are associated with its development:
- Age, due to the gradual deterioration of cartilage, and the breakdown of muscle and connective tissues that support the knee joint
- Gender, as women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, compared to men
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Obesity, as increased weight places more pressure on the knee joint
- Repetitive stress on the knee joint, from work or sports
- Past injuries to the knee
- Congenital deformities or abnormalities of the joint or cartilage
- Certain metabolic conditions such as diabetes