Why Knee Problems Are Common With Age

Aging is one of the many facts of life that should definitely be embraced more. However, it's unfortunate that the older you get, the greater the risk of developing knee and joint pain. Researchers say that knee pain is most commonly found in people who are 65 and older. The three main reasons that age is connected to knee pain are osteoarthritis, weight gain and muscle loss.

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis that is most often developed later on in life. The condition is caused by the break down of the cartilage that protects the bones in your knees, resulting in the increased vulnerability to knee pain. Experts have found that the majority of those over 65 who suffer from knee pain also live with osteoarthritis.

With the gradual decrease in metabolism speed, controlling weight becomes even more difficult as you age. Carrying extra weight is just adding pressure to the knees and joints, which can eventually lead to chronic pain. Along with age, being overweight is a leading factor that raises your risk of developing osteoarthritis.

It has been proven that your muscles may shrink in size by approximately 40 percent by the time you reach the age of 60. A lack of muscle means a lack of strength. Losing muscular support in the hips and legs substantially increases your chances of developing knee pain.
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The best way to deal with chronic knee pain in your golden years is to maintain a healthy weight and exercise as much as possible. Building strength in your hips and knees by walking, taking yoga classes, doing water and regular aerobics and performing many other exercises can decrease the stress on your knees and help to avoid living with constant pain.