Causes of Elderly Knee Pain

Author

Griswold Home Care

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Griswold Home Care

Posted on

Mar 08, 2024

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

Most of us think that joint issues, and specifically knee pain, are an inevitable part of aging. While some aches and twinges may likely be age-related, knee pain is not a foregone conclusion for seniors. Diagnosing the cause of knee pain in elderly adults and properly treating knee pain when it does occur can help avoid or at least mitigate its discomforts. In this post, we’ll review some of the common causes of senior knee pain and knee pain treatment options.

Causes of Elderly Knee Pain

Some issues that can cause elderly knee pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process where the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis that can affect the knee, although it tends to affect younger adults as well.

  • Tendonitis. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon generally caused by overuse or repetitive movement. Running, jumping, and cycling can all lead to tendonitis in the knee.

  • Mechanical issues. Mechanical issues is a fancy way to say that some sort of injury has led to knee pain. This could include a fall or blow to the knee, a sprain, or a twist. Sudden knee pain in elderly adults can most likely be attributed to some sort of mechanical issue.

  • Old injuries. Old injuries—for example, an ACL tear from high school that was seemingly completely healed—can begin to hurt again as we age. Tissue that was damaged in the past is more susceptible to instability, strain, and degeneration.

Elderly Knee Pain Treatment

The treatment for elderly knee pain depends on what is causing the pain. Your primary care doctor or an orthopedist can help you determine the cause of your pain and then work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

Some common treatments for elderly knee pain include:

  • Medications. An over-the-counter pain relief medicine may be enough to calm your knee pain. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe a medication to treat the specific cause of the pain, especially if the pain is caused by osteoarthritis.

  • Physical therapy. Strengthening the muscles around the joint can help relieve knee pain. A physical therapist can help with specific exercises that will address the cause of the pain, particularly if it is tendonitis or a mechanical issue.

  • Injections. There are a few types of injections that can help with knee pain, again depending on the cause of the pain. A corticosteroid injection can help reduce pain and relieve the symptoms of arthritis. A hyaluronic acid injection can lubricate the joint and help reduce pain when moving. Platelet-Rich Plasma injections, a newer treatment, have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing for many different conditions.

  • Surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is typically the first type of surgery considered to repair injuries to the knee. It is minimally invasive and the recovery period is relatively short. Partial or total knee replacement surgery is an option when the pain or damage to the knee has become too much to bear. The replacement knee joint (or parts) are made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics so they last a very long time.

Medicine and technology have come a long way from the days when knee replacement surgery would require months of bedrest and rehab. Additionally, there are many more options to alleviate knee pain than there were in the past. If you or your elderly loved one does begin to experience knee pain, know that it is not something you simply have to live with, and there are many treatment options that can provide relief.

To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at (877) 268-3277. 

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Griswold Home Care

Non-Medical 10128 A Airport Court, Broomfield, Colorado, 80021

Griswold Home Care is a non-medical home care company. Non-medical home care services are becoming a popular alternative to nursing homes, and our home care services are often used in conjunction with home health care and assisted living services. We refer Caregivers who provide in-home care services including personal care, homemaking, companionship, and other home care services. Our non-medical home care office fees are designed so that Caregivers can be paid competitive wages, permitting offices to attract the best individuals in the community. We keep our administrative overhead to a minimum to be the wisest financial alternative for our Clients and their families.At Griswold Home Care for Westminster, Broomfield, and Boulder, we understand the importance of receiving care in the comfort of your own home. 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Griswold Home Care

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Griswold Home Care for Westminster, Broomfield & Boulder: Your Trusted Partner in Non-Medical In-Home CareAt Griswold Home Care for Westminster, Broomfield, and Boulder, we understand the importance of receiving care in the comfort of your own home. Our non-medical home care services offer a compassionate and supportive alternative to nursing homes, allowing you or your loved ones to maintain independence and quality of life while staying in a familiar environment. With over four decades of experience and a strong legacy of compassion and integrity, Griswold Home Care stands as a pioneer in the home care industry, dedicated to improving lives through personalized care solutions.Why Choose Griswold Home Care?Griswold Home Care has established itself as a leader in non-medical in-home care by prioritizing the well-being of our clients and the quality of our care professionals. We firmly believe that care starts with the people who provide it. 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We believe that fostering strong connections helps improve quality of life and combat feelings of loneliness or isolation.Support for Conditions, Illnesses, or Injuries: Whether dealing with chronic conditions, recovering from surgery, or managing an illness, our caregivers offer specialized support tailored to individual needs. We work closely with clients and their families to ensure that care plans address specific requirements, providing a reliable and comforting presence during challenging times.Why Non-Medical Home Care?Non-medical home care services are increasingly becoming a preferred alternative to institutional settings like nursing homes. The flexibility and personalization offered by non-medical home care allow individuals to receive care in their own homes, where they feel most comfortable. This approach not only supports physical well-being but also promotes emotional and mental health by allowing individuals to remain in familiar surroundings.Our services are often used in conjunction with home health care and assisted living services to provide a comprehensive care solution that addresses all aspects of a persons needs. Griswold Home Care collaborates with other healthcare providers to ensure that clients receive seamless and coordinated care.Why Griswold Home Care is the Right ChoiceGriswold Home Care is committed to being the wisest financial alternative for our clients and their families. Our office fees are structured to ensure that our caregivers are compensated with competitive wages, which helps us attract and retain the best individuals in the community. By keeping our administrative overhead to a minimum, we focus on delivering high-quality care while maintaining affordability.We take pride in our award-winning reputation and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. Our dedication to continuous improvement and client satisfaction ensures that we remain at the forefront of the non-medical home care industry.Contact Us TodayIf you or a loved one are considering non-medical in-home care services in Westminster, Broomfield, or Boulder, Griswold Home Care is here to help. Our experienced team is ready to provide the compassionate support you need to live comfortably and confidently in your own home. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in creating a personalized care plan that meets your unique needs.At Griswold Home Care, we are honored to be part of your journey and look forward to serving you with dedication and heart.