Knee pain can be a challenging issue that many individuals face as they age. Whether it is caused by wear and tear, osteoarthritis, or other factors, effective knee pain relief becomes crucial for maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle. As the largest joint in the human body, the knee joint plays a significant role in supporting our weight during activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. It endures substantial stress and is highly susceptible to injuries and degeneration. In fact, knee pain is a prevalent concern among the elderly population, with approximately 22-39% of the age of 45 in India are reporting some form of knee pain. This incidence tends to increase with age.

In this blog, we will delve into the topic of knee pain in old age, exploring its causes, common symptoms, providing practical insights on knee pain relief strategies.

-Knee pain can be caused by:

Over a lifetime, you would have walked around the earth five times by the time you reach 80 years old. Aging can lead to knee pain, but by understanding the importance of your knees and taking steps to protect them, you can improve mobility and potentially reduce knee pain. Here are few common causes of knee pain:

Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of knee pain in the elderly, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints gradually wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, inflammation.

Muscle weakness or imbalance: Weakening or imbalances in the muscles around the knee can affect joint stability and alignment, resulting in knee pain.

Aging and natural wear & tear: The natural aging process leads to changes in joint structures, reduces lubrication, & gradual degeneration of cartilage, increasing the risk of knee pain.

Importantly, there can be other factors contributing to knee pain, such as previous injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or bursitis.

-What are the symptoms accompanying knee pain in old age?

Knee pain can manifest in different ways, and accompanying signs and symptoms can provide additional insights into the underlying cause. Some common signs and symptoms that may accompany knee pain include; swelling, stiffness, redness, warmth, weakness, instability, popping noises, and limited knee straightening are common symptoms. They can be caused by inflammation, fluid accumulation, joint irregularities, or damaged cartilage.

-Ignoring knee pain in old age can have consequences:

Underlying Conditions: Ignoring knee pain delays diagnosis and treatment of conditions like osteoarthritis leading to further joint damage and reduced quality of life.

Joint Damage: Chronic knee pain can cause progressive joint damage, weakening cartilage and increasing the risk of instability, deformity, and injuries.

Impact on Quality of Life: Knee pain significantly affects quality of life, limiting activities and overall well-being. Seeking timely treatment improves pain management and function.

Ignoring knee pain can lead to further complications and reduced quality of life.

Knee pain management in old age focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining overall quality of life.

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers various treatment options for knee pain due to old age. Ayurvedic treatments aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and promote overall joint health.

Massage with Ayurvedic Oils: Warm Ayurvedic oils, such as Zandu Ortho Vedic Oil is one of the best Ayurvedic knee pain relief oils you can use. This product contains Ayurvedic oils like Mahanarayan Taila, Mahamasha Taila and Vishgrabha Taila along with 250 Ayurvedic ingredients. These oils have been time-tested for knee pain relief and contain the following properties.

Tila Taila: Sesame seeds are a great source of oil that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can support blood circulation and improve bone quality. This oil has been found to be beneficial in reducing joint pain symptoms such as morning stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort.

Clove Oil: One of ZOVO’s 100 ayurvedic ingredients – ‘lavangataila’ is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It helps alleviate swelling, pain and discomfort in patients suffering from arthritis and shows visible results in just 7 days.

Mahanarayan Taila: Made with a blend of herbs, Mahanarayan oil has been used since centuries to soothe sore muscles, improve flexibility, and strengthen bones. Zandu Ortho Vedic Oil is a blend of 5 key oils like Mahanarayana Oil and offers relief from 20 types of musculoskeletal pain within 7 days.

Gandhpura Oil: This knee pain oil contains an aspirin-like chemical called methyl salicylate which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce joint pain. It is a blend of Gandhpura and other classical oils and shows visible improvement in joint pain within 7 days.

Apart from using knee pain relief products like Zandu Ortho Vedic Oil for relief, it is essential to practise the following for knee pain management.

Exercise: Daily exercise is crucial for maintaining strong muscles and mobility, making it an essential tool for treating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) and other factors.
You should always go for low impact activity:

• Cycling
• Walking
• Swimming or water exercise
• Yoga

Healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy diet is must. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy diet to manage knee pain in old age:

• Include anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, berries, leafy greens, and nuts.
• Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
• Eat vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and broccoli for collagen synthesis.
• Consume antioxidant-rich foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, spinach, kale, and sweet potatoes.
• Choose whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats for essential nutrients and fiber.

Proper footwear: Choosing the right footwear is important when you have knee pain as it can provide support, cushioning, and stability to the knee joint. Here are some tips to help you select proper footwear; Arch support, Cushioning, Stability, Low heel, Proper fit & Flexibility.

Ice & Heat: Applying a cold compress, such as an ice pack, for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation. On the other hand, using a hot compress or taking a warm bath can provide relief by increasing blood circulation and relaxing the muscles around the knee.

Conclusion: Knee pain can significantly impact our daily lives, but with the right knowledge and knee pain relief strategies, reduction in pain is possible. From understanding the common causes and symptoms to exploring natural remedies like Zandu Ortho Vedic Oil for knee pain relief, taking proactive steps towards maintaining healthy knees can enhance mobility and overall well-being. Remember, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new treatments or supplements into your routine.