Older Women & Knee Problems

Older women stay active by exercising, playing different sports and performing everyday tasks. Some feel aches and pains but function well nonetheless. Others, however, have trouble taking part in such activities because of knee problems.

Knees

• The knees are the largest joints in the body. They are formed at the patella, or kneecap, where the femur (the thigh bone) and the tibia (the lower leg bone) join and are held together with muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Causes

• The knees are the most stress-vulnerable joints in the body. Many of the knee problems of older women result from aging, heredity, obesity, muscle weakness, years of wear and tear, and strain caused by numerous injuries.

Specific Knee Problems

• Some older women suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. Others suffer from tendinitis, torn cartilage, and muscle and ligament strains. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteoarthritis--degenerative joint disease--is the most common knee ailment among older women.

Diagnosis

• Knee problems are diagnosed in several ways. According to the Cornell Medical Clinic, X-rays are usually ordered first. If discomfort continues, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, CAT (computed axial tomography) scan, arthroscopic exploratory surgery or radionuclide bone scan may be ordered to determine the nature of the problem.

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, physical therapy, exercise and medication are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. Surgery is often needed to repair torn and damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscles. Sometimes damaged knees must be surgically removed and replaced with prosthetic knees.