Many women who contact us are still in their early 40’s but tell us that they “walk like an old lady” and are plagued by swelling, limited or lost range of motion, and “bone on bone” knees. For many, an exercise bike or cycling is the last activity they can perform, and while many can enjoy this activity, it is the other activity that they want to return to. They are not confident in the knee replacement and its ability to get them back to the sport. Menopause joint pain is one of many possible menopause symptoms.
Causes of Knee Joint Pain in Women
“Women need to be aware of these factors, ask the right questions, and be persistent about getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment,” says Dr. Tucker. By becoming educated about how joint pain affects them, women can increase the odds of finding relief and getting the best health care possible. About 1 in 7 people diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis will receive some sort of injection to treat the painful, sometimes debilitating, symptoms of the disease. Yet studies in recent years have found that most of these injections actually do very little to improve osteoarthritis in the knees and are only slightly more effective than a placebo. Some women who contact our office will tell us that they were very active and had no knee pain or knee pain symptoms such as swelling.
Also known as septic arthritis or infectious arthritis, a joint infection may develop if a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection spreads to your joints. It most commonly develops in the knee joints, though the ankles, hips, and wrists are also sometimes affected. People sometimes assume that knee pain is just a part of getting older or an unavoidable side effect of their jobs or activities. You might feel pain every once in a while, but don’t ignore it if it’s been more than a few days in a row since you’ve been pain-free. For example, you might feel pain when you’re moving or bending your knee which gets better when you rest.
Though lots of things can cause your knees to hurt, arthritis is often to blame. Osteoarthritis, which is when the protective tissue (also called cartilage) in your knee wears away, is common in older adults. Although knee pain is common as you age, it doesn’t have to be inevitable. And if you already have knee pain, there are ways to manage and treat it. Stage three of OA is considered moderate, and the cartilage between the bones begins to show signs of wear. During stage two of OA, bone spurs grow and become painful.
Your provider might recommend a knee replacement if pain and other symptoms in your knee affect your ability to stand, walk and move. Your surgeon will suggest either a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement. Which type of surgery you’ll need depends on what’s causing the pain and which parts of your knee are damaged. The efficacy of stem cell injections to treat knee osteoarthritis has not been proven; benefits reported by patients may be the result of anti-inflammatory agents released from the bone marrow or fat. But as research findings on the effectiveness of these injections come under scrutiny, medical experts voice a chorus of skepticism. They also tell us about their knee pain and a somewhat lengthy medical history to include low back pain, hip pain, ankle, and foot pain as well.
Even though women have a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis in the knee, with worse symptoms, and more disability, they are less likely to undergo total knee arthroplasty. A study in 2008 looked at this phenomenon of a meniscus tear in healthy postmenopausal women. Published in the journal Osteoarthritis Cartilage (6) the researchers examined Fifty-seven post-menopausal women with no knee pain or knee problems.
Knee joint pain in women can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Obesity: Excess weight can put added pressure on the knees, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Injuries: Sprains, strains, or tears in the ligaments or tendons surrounding the knee can result in pain.
- Osteoarthritis: A common form of arthritis that affects the knee joint, causing pain and stiffness.
- Overuse: Repetitive movements or activities that strain the knee joint can lead to pain over time.
Treatment Options for Knee Joint Pain
If you are experiencing knee joint pain in women, there are several treatment options available:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
- Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged cartilage or ligaments.
Preventing Knee Joint Pain
To prevent knee joint pain in women, it is important to:
- Avoid high-impact activities that can put stress on the knees.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the knee joints.
- Warm up before exercising to prevent injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Knee Joint Pain in Women
Q: Can knee joint pain in women be a sign of a more serious condition?
A: Yes, knee joint pain can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a torn meniscus or rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Q: Are there any exercises that can help alleviate knee joint pain in women?
A: Yes, certain exercises like cycling, swimming, and yoga can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility, reducing pain and discomfort.
