Why Knee Pain Is More Common in Women, and What Helps

If you look at who comes to the doctor with knee pain, you will see more women than men, especially in the second half of life. Knee osteoarthritis and pain at the front of the knee are both more common in women. This is not a reason to worry, but it is useful to know why it happens, because many of the factors can be influenced. This article explains the most common reasons and what women can do to keep their knees strong.

What makes the difference

• Hormonal changes. Hormones affect muscles, tendons and possibly also cartilage. Around menopause, many women notice more joint aches and stiffness.
• Anatomy. Women usually have wider hips, so the thigh reaches the knee at a slightly different slant. This can change how the kneecap moves and put more load on the front of the knee.
• Muscle strength. On average, women have less muscle mass, and it decreases with age if it is not trained. Weaker thigh and hip muscles mean more load on the joint.
• Ligaments and sport. In sports with jumps and quick turns, women are more prone to injuries of the ligaments in the knee, which can lead to problems later.
• Everyday load. Shoes with high heels, many hours of standing, kneeling at work or at home and changes in body weight, for example after pregnancies, can all add to the strain.

Menopause and the knees

Menopause is a time of many changes in the body, and the joints are part of it. Some women notice that their knees become stiffer, that they ache more in the morning or that earlier pain becomes stronger. At the same time, muscle mass and bone density often decrease and weight can increase more easily. This combination is one reason why it is especially worth staying active and training your muscles in this phase. If the symptoms bother you a lot, talk to your doctor about them.

What women can do

• Strengthen the muscles. Simple exercises for the thighs and hips help keep the knee stable. You can find them in our article on knee strengthening exercises at home.
• Keep a healthy weight. Less weight means less load with every step, as described in our article on body weight and knee load.
• Choose shoes with care. Wear flat, comfortable shoes with a soft sole for everyday walking and save high heels for special occasions.
• Stay active. Walking, cycling and swimming are good for the joints, the bones and the mood.
• Protect the knees when kneeling. Use a soft pad when you work on the floor or in the garden, and change position often.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if the knee swells, locks or gives way, if pain wakes you up at night or if it limits your daily life for a longer time. The same applies to pain that started after a fall or a twist. A doctor or physiotherapist can find the cause and suggest the right steps. More warning signs are in our article on when knee pain is serious.

Many women like to wear a soft knee sleeve in everyday life, for example on long days on their feet or on walks. It gives a pleasant feeling of support and keeps the knee warm. A sleeve does not replace strong muscles, but it can make everyday movement more comfortable.

A sleeve you will actually wear

The best sleeve is the one that does not end up in a drawer. The KeenTrove Bamboo Knee Sleeve is made for exactly that:

• soft, breathable bamboo, comfortable even in summer
• fits snugly but does not dig in behind the knee
• does not lock the knee, so you move naturally
• wear it under your clothes during the day and in bed at night

With 60 days to get your money back, you have nothing to lose.

See the bamboo knee sleeve →

Note: this article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have circulation problems or diabetes, or have recently had knee surgery, talk to your doctor before wearing compression.