Prolonged knee joint pain during exercise
According to orthopedic experts, pain is the most common sign of knee osteoarthritis. Initially, the pain only appears when walking a lot, climbing stairs or carrying heavy objects. However, as the disease progresses, patients may feel pain even when resting.
Many elderly people believe that joint pain is a normal manifestation of old age, so they are subjective and miss the most effective treatment stage.
Arthritis in the morning
Another sign that is easily overlooked is stiffness after waking up or after a long time sitting. Patients often find it difficult to stretch or bend their knees, and need to exercise for a few minutes to return to normal.
This condition occurs because the joint cartilage is degenerated, reducing the lubrication and elasticity of the joint.
The knee joint makes a creaking sound
If the knee often makes a "screw", "screw" sound when walking, standing up or sitting down, patients should not be subjective.
Experts say this may be a sign that the joint cartilage surface has been abraded, causing the structures in the joint to rub against each other during movement.
Swelling, pain or heat around the joint
Osteoarthritis of the knee not only causes pain but can also lead to local inflammatory reactions. Patients may notice slight swelling of the knee, a feeling of heat or tension around the joint.
These symptoms are often worse when the weather turns cold or after days of excessive exercise.
Difficulty walking, reduced mobility
When the protective cartilage layer is seriously damaged, patients may have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up and sitting down. In some cases, arch legs (O-shaped legs) appear, loss of joint stability, or a feeling of joint "stuck" when moving.
This is a sign that the disease has progressed and requires an early specialist examination.
How to protect knee joints in the elderly
Experts recommend that the elderly maintain a reasonable weight, limit climbing stairs or squatting often, and choose sports that have little impact on joints such as gentle walking or swimming.
When signs of prolonged pain, stiff joints or limited movement appear, patients should go to a medical facility for assessment and timely treatment. Early intervention can help slow down the degeneration process, reduce pain and maintain quality of life.
