As people age, it’s not uncommon to experience joint pain, particularly in the knees and hips. For seniors in Australia and around the world, knee and hip pain can be a challenging and often debilitating issue.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the symptoms of knee and hip pain that commonly affect seniors, along with effective ways to cope with and treat these conditions, including hospital solutions.
Common Symptoms of Knee and Hip Pain in Seniors
Knee and hip pain can manifest in various ways, and understanding the symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are the most common symptoms seniors may experience:
Pain and Discomfort
Persistent pain in the knee or hip joint is the most obvious symptom, with varying severity and frequencies. Pain may be aggravated by physical activity or worsen with prolonged periods of inactivity.
Stiffness and Reduced Mobility
Seniors with knee and hip pain often report stiffness in the affected joint. Such a problem may complicate simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of bed.
Swelling and Inflammation
Inflammation around the knee or hip joint is a common symptom. Swelling can cause discomfort and limit joint mobility. In certain instances, the joint may exhibit warmth upon touch.
Grinding or Clicking Sensation
Seniors may notice a grinding or clicking sensation when moving the affected joint, which may be traced to cartilage wear and tear common in conditions like osteoarthritis.
Limited Range of Motion
Difficulty in fully extending or flexing the knee or hip is another symptom. This limited range of motion can impact a senior’s ability to perform daily activities and maintain their independence.
Coping with Knee and Hip Pain
Living with knee and hip pain can be challenging, but there are several strategies seniors can employ to cope with their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life:
Low-Impact Exercise
Engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming, stationary cycling, or gentle yoga can help improve joint flexibility and reduce pain. These activities are easier on the knees and hips while providing much-needed movement.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing stress on the knees and hips. The weight reduction may be vital to lower the pressure – Arthritis Queensland took note of a 2014 Australian National Preventive Health Agency study estimating that every kilo of excess body weight actually adds four kilos of pressure on the knees alone.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be highly beneficial for seniors with knee and hip pain. A PTRP can develop a customised exercise programme to improve strength, mobility, and joint stability.
Medications
OTC medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol may provide temporary relief to the joints. There are also topical analgesic cream products out on the market, touted to get down under the skin and soothe the affected area, particularly those with capsaicin essence from chilli peppers.
However, some of these medicines may require a GP’s prescription and certain pain relief meds may be very potent, opening the opportunity for substance abuse. The RACGP also grades which knee/hip pain relief medications they can strongly recommend, conditionally recommend, or not recommend for use.
Assistive Devices
Seniors with knee or hip pain may benefit from assistive devices like canes, crutches, or braces to reduce joint strain and enhance mobility. Choosing which to acquire will be based on the medical evaluation given by the GP and a physical therapist.
Treatment and Therapy for Knee and Hip Pain
When coping strategies alone aren’t sufficient, more intensive treatments may be necessary to manage knee and hip pain effectively. These treatments can vary in complexity and include:
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain in the knee or hip joint. Hyaluronic acid injections can also be used to lubricate the joint and reduce friction. However, while the RACGP recommends corticosteroid injections for knee and hip pain, the administering doctor must exercise caution with repeat injections due to the danger of advanced cartilage loss.
Physical Rehab Programmes
Structured physical rehabilitation programmes, often offered at hospitals or special clinics, provide seniors with comprehensive care, including exercise, education, and personalised treatment plans.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, the use of joint supplements, and ergonomic adjustments at home can contribute to pain management and improved joint health.
Surgery
In cases of severe joint damage or degeneration, surgical intervention may be necessary. Common procedures for knee and hip pain include knee arthroscopy, joint replacement surgery, and hip resurfacing.
Hospitals are equipped to perform joint replacement surgeries, such as total knee and hip replacements. These procedures can significantly improve joint function and relieve pain for seniors.
Rehab Services
Hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. These programmes are designed to help seniors regain mobility and strength after surgery or injury.
Pain Management Clinics
Hospitals often have dedicated pain management clinics staffed with experts who can provide a range of treatments, including medications, injections, and physical therapy.
Orthopaedic Specialists
Hospitals have orthopaedic specialists experienced in diagnosing and treating knee and hip conditions. They can offer expert guidance on the best treatment options.
Treating Knee Pain for Seniors: A Case Study
To illustrate the journey of treating knee pain in seniors, let’s consider the hypothetical case of Mr John Gunnarson, a 70-year-old Australian resident who has been struggling with knee pain for several years.
John’s knee pain began gradually, and he initially tried over-the-counter pain relievers and lifestyle modifications with limited success. After consulting his doctor, he was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in his right knee.
John’s healthcare provider recommended a comprehensive treatment plan. He started with physical therapy to improve knee strength and mobility. He also received corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. Over time, John’s pain improved significantly, and he regained the ability to walk without discomfort.
Despite initial improvement, John’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he began experiencing severe pain that limited his daily activities. After a hospital consultation with an orthopaedic specialist, John opted for knee replacement surgery. The surgery was successful, and John underwent a rehabilitation programme at the hospital to rebuild strength and mobility.
John continued to follow up with his orthopaedic specialist for regular check-ups and rehabilitation sessions. He also made significant lifestyle changes to ensure the possible gains from the surgery, including maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercises, and practising joint-friendly dietary habits.
Today, Mr Gunnarson enjoys a vastly improved quality of life. His knee pain is significantly reduced, and he can engage in activities he had to give up before surgery. He continues to monitor his joint health and stays active to ensure long-term mobility and well-being.
Conclusion
Knee and hip pain can significantly impact the lives of seniors, but effective coping strategies, treatments, and hospital-based solutions can make a world of difference. Recognising the symptoms, seeking early diagnosis, and working with healthcare professionals are crucial steps in managing and alleviating knee and hip pain. With the right approach and a commitment to joint health, seniors can enjoy improved mobility and a higher quality of life, even in their later years.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage may be a vital resource for any treatment plan concerning hip or knee pain. A loan for medical expenses may generate long-term funding for a treatment programme. Such loans will have no regular repayment terms, allowing a senior to focus on their recovery, but have safeguards for full repayment down the road.
Please contact the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or send an email to info@asagfirst.com.au to discuss your treatment finance options. You can also use the equity assessment tool below.