Knee pain appears to be a common complaint among middle-aged and elderly women. There are a variety of possible reasons why older women face severe forms of pain and discomfort in the knees. According to a recent study, over 63 percent of women aged 50 and above suffer from knee pain and discomfort at least once or continuously in their life.
In this article, we will discuss the causes and treatment of knee pain in older women.
CAUSES OF KNEE PAIN IN OLDER WOMEN
Apart from causes such as fractures, dislocations, sprained ligaments, meniscal injuries, and infections, there are other causes for chronic knee pain in older women which are as follows:
Arthritis: Arthritis is a joint condition that affects people of all ages, and older women in particular. It is usually characterised by joint inflammation or wear and tear, which can cause unbearable pain.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, often known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It’s a wear-and-tear condition in which the cartilage in the knee deteriorates as a result of ageing and usage.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe kind of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease that can damage practically any joint in the body, which includes the knees. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, its severity varies which can be diagnosed through a check-up.
Gout or Pseudogout: Gout is a type of arthritis that happens when uric acid crystals form in the joint. It usually strikes the big toe, although it can also affect the knee as well. Pseudogout is caused by calcium-containing crystals that form in the joint fluid and is frequently mistaken for gout. Knee joints are more commonly affected by pseudogout.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis means a loss of bone mass and strength. The term osteoporosis means porous bone. Women tend to lose a lot of bone mass and strength as they age. It’s a bone-weakening illness that puts people at a higher risk for unexpected bone fractures.
Bursitis: Bursitis is a painful enlargement of bursa, which is a tiny, fluid-filled sac. These sacs act as a cushion between bone and muscle, tendons, and skin. Bursae reduce friction, rubbing, and irritation by padding these areas. Enlargement of bursa can cause excruciating pain.
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