Knee Pain in Older Age: What Is Normal and What Is Not

With the years, many people notice that their knees are not what they used to be. They feel stiffer in the morning, protest after a long walk or make small noises on the stairs. Some of this is a normal part of getting older. But knee pain should not simply be accepted as "just age", because many causes can be eased and some need medical attention. This article helps you tell the difference and shows how to keep your knees active in later life.

How the knees change with age

Over the decades, the cartilage in the knee can become thinner and less elastic, and the muscles around the knee lose strength if they are not used. Tendons and ligaments become a little less flexible. That is why the knees often need more time to get going after rest and recover more slowly after a demanding day. These changes progress at different speeds in different people, and regular movement can slow down many of them.

What is often normal

• a short stiffness in the morning or after sitting that eases within a few minutes of movement,
• a mild ache after an unusual effort, such as a long hike or garden work, that passes within a day or two,
• crackling or clicking in the knee without pain or swelling,
• knees that feel more sensitive when the weather is cold or damp.

When it is not just age

• the knee is swollen, red or warm,
• the knee hurts at rest or the pain wakes you up at night,
• the knee gives way or locks,
• the pain started suddenly, after a fall, a twist or a blow,
• the pain keeps getting worse or makes walking and climbing stairs clearly harder.

In these cases, see a doctor. A doctor can find the cause of the pain, for example osteoarthritis, an injury or inflammation, and suggest the right steps. More warning signs are in our article on when knee pain is serious.

Movement in later life

Movement is one of the best ways to keep older knees working well. Muscles can be strengthened at any stage of life, and stronger thigh and hip muscles take load off the joint and improve balance. If standing exercises are too much, start with our chair exercises for sore knees. Regular walks, cycling or swimming keep the joint supple and are good for the heart and the mood. It is better to move a little every day than to do a lot once and then rest for days.

Talking to your doctor

Many older people do not mention their knee pain because they think nothing can be done. That is a pity, because there are many options, from exercise and physiotherapy to walking aids and other forms of treatment. Write down when the pain started, when it is worse and which things help, and bring these notes to your appointment. Mention the medicines you take too, so the doctor can choose a treatment that suits you.

Many older people like to wear a soft knee sleeve on walks and through the day. It gives a pleasant feeling of support and keeps the knee warm, so moving around feels easier and more confident. A sleeve does not replace exercise or a doctor's advice, but it can be a comfortable addition to everyday life.

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.