Moreover, the first, second, and corresponding authors had full access to all the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. For the first three NHANES analysis, we included 1382, 4342, and 3682 participants respectively. In the subsequent three NHANES, there were 1066, 1011, and 1054 participants from1999–2000, 2001–02, and 2003–04, respectively. Also included were 902, 1132, and 671 members of the FOA Study over the three time periods.
Further work on the economic burden of knee problems in young adults is warranted. While our study is, to our knowledge, the first to evaluate a secular trend in knee pain, others have examined the prevalence of arthritis in general over time. Leveille and co-authors (25) did not find any difference in the prevalence of self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis across four birth cohorts of baby boomers and their predecessors. As originally designed, age-eligible women and men were recruited from the community and enrolled at four recruitment centers (BLINDED FOR REVIEW). The OAI was designed by the original investigators to prospectively observe people over time to better understand the knee osteoarthritis disease process and treatment impact in people at risk for or with the disease. However, the study also captured a variety of pain measures and osteoarthritis diagnoses at other joints including the back, neck and hip among others.
Osteoarthritis is typically a progressive disease that may eventually lead to disability. However, they typically become more severe, more frequent, and more debilitating over time. Common clinical symptoms include knee pain that is gradual in onset and worse with activity, knee stiffness and swelling, pain after prolonged sitting or resting, and pain that worsens over time. Treatment for knee osteoarthritis begins with conservative methods and progresses to surgical treatment options when conservative treatment fails.
Knee pain is a common complaint that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. The prevalence of knee pain is on the rise, with more and more people experiencing discomfort and limitations in their daily activities.
Secondary osteoarthritis is the consequence of either an abnormal concentration of force across the joint as with post-traumatic causes or abnormal articular cartilage, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). First, the results are generalizable only to the noninstitutionalized, civilian adult population; military personnel and persons in nursing homes and other institutions were excluded. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the collection of survey responses§§ and had impacts on health care access and utilization that might affect these results in unknown ways.
The distributions of males/females and users between the clusters were assessed using Chi2 test. As the B-IPQ only contains one type of scale (scores 1–10), no standardization was required. More than half of males (61.3%) were current smokers while females were non-smokers (57.9%).
Factors Contributing to the Rising Rates of Knee Pain
Knee bracing in osteoarthritis includes unloader-type braces that shift the load away from the involved knee compartment. This may be useful in the setting where either the lateral or medial compartment of the knee is involved, such as in a valgus or varus deformity. Other knee tests may be performed, depending on the clinical suspicion based on the history. In total, 9570 citations were retrieved, of which 4044 were duplicated articles and 5438 were ineligible for inclusion criteria, of 88 remaining articles were included for this meta-analysis. The funder of the study had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report. The corresponding author had full access to all the data in the study and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication.
Several factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of knee pain in society today:
- Obesity: Excess weight puts added stress on the knees, leading to increased wear and tear.
- Physical activity: Participation in high-impact sports or repetitive movements can contribute to knee injuries and pain.
- Aging: As we age, the risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis increases, leading to chronic knee pain.
Managing Knee Pain: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about managing knee pain:
- What are some ways to prevent knee pain? Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and practicing proper body mechanics can help prevent knee pain.
- When should I seek medical attention for knee pain? If knee pain is severe, persistent, or interferes with daily activities, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
- What treatments are available for knee pain? Treatments for knee pain may include physical therapy, medication, injections, or in severe cases, surgery.
