Knee pain starting in your 40s

Redlips

Redlips

Well-known member
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
 
My knees are the same, had a tidy up op on my right knee a few years ago and have a similar op booked on my left knee in January. Hopefully it goes well as the combination of lockdown and being unable to run hasn't been a good one for my waistline!! 😂
 
I'm 49 quite active,played football when I was younger,I'm in a very active job(seasonally anyway), like yourself I go swimming and lots of walking. My legs ache like hell sometimes along with my right knee,I just put it down to getting older,but it certainly won't stop me being active. Maybe going to the gym five times a week plus swimming is overdoing things a bit?,cut down the routine a bit and give the body a bit of rest is my uneducated opinion.
 
Redlips said:
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
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When you are at the gym, are you using the treadmill a lot during your 5 visits per week?

Reason I ask, it could be that it’s causing pain on your knee joint which is quite common from regular treadmill use. If this is right, then mix up your cardio, use the rower, bike etc and see if it improves. You can then adapt the way you train & manage it accordingly?

If you don’t use the treadmill a lot then I don’t know 😂🤷🏻‍♂️
 
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Redlips said:
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
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It's an injury, it either needs rest or sorting.

My left knee used to give out after 20 mins of running like clockwork, I switched to the rower for a month and it healed up, I stayed rowing instead of running though as I found it much more beneficial.
 
Redlips said:
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
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Go back to the GP and ask for a hospital referral or call 111 and they will get you an xray appointment. The GP prognosis is absolutely unacceptable. Yes you ache as you get to your 40's a bit but not suddenly killing you overnight. Clearly you have an issue that needs looking at immediately.
 
Mine started in my 50’s. I had a scan and osteoarthritis in both knees and torn cartilage in one. I was told I could have cortisone injections (no) or knee replacement (no) . They only last 10 years. I do more leg exercises at the gym with weights and they’ve got better. Still ache on some days but 63 now …
 
Could just need the cartilage cleaning up and trimming or could be early arthritis. See a specialist for the correct diagnosis.
 
Adams Kebab said:
When you are at the gym, are you using the treadmill a lot during your 5 visits per week?

Reason I ask, it could be that it’s causing pain on your knee joint which is quite common from regular treadmill use. If this is right, then mix up your cardio, use the rower, bike etc and see if it improves. You can then adapt the way you train & manage it accordingly?

If you don’t use the treadmill a lot then I don’t know 😂🤷🏻‍♂️
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Cut down the running and throw in 2 or 3 days of weight lifting.
Doesn’t have to be heavy - just make sure your raising your heart rate and enjoy.

One of the critical things that affects older people (bud we are heading towards 50 so it’s looming 😁) is muscle wastage. It’s debilitating as hell. Build up your muscle resistance now and keep it going. It makes such a difference to those in their 70s onwards.

As everyone has said - go back in, grab the lazy shit by his throat and demand a proper diagnosis and treatment not just waffle and pain killers……

It might be a physio job or it might be surgery but either way don’t stop moving!!
 
To add to the above, if you tell a trainer at the gym the problem they can tailor exercises for you (with caveats about seeking medical guidance), I don't know which gym you're at but I always found the trainers at Stanley Park really good, especially Phil and Tom.
 
Redlips said:
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
Click to expand...
Started with knee pain in my40’s which eventually ended up with me limping, got it checked out and found it was ‘floating cartilage fragments’. Had an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) which left me on crutches for several weeks but well worth it, as even managed to go jogging again and still do now and I’m 70 next. Hope you get it sorted, Merry Christmas.
 
Redlips said:
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
Click to expand...
GP is talking utter shite.
 
Adams Kebab said:
When you are at the gym, are you using the treadmill a lot during your 5 visits per week?

Reason I ask, it could be that it’s causing pain on your knee joint which is quite common from regular treadmill use. If this is right, then mix up your cardio, use the rower, bike etc and see if it improves. You can then adapt the way you train & manage it accordingly?

If you don’t use the treadmill a lot then I don’t know 😂🤷🏻‍♂️
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Since it started to hurt I done upper body weights and a normal sixty minute swim.
 
I don’t know if this will help you but it certainly seemed to work for me.
I played football into my fifties, but when I was about forty I started getting terrible knee pain and fluid on the joint.
I kept playing for about a year, and had more or less decided to pack in when a teammate told me about Glucosamine. I got the strongest I could find from Holland and Barrett. I think they also had Chondroitin or something like that in them.
Within a few days I could sense an improvement.
I took them for about six months, and then occasionally if needed for about three years. Knees have been fine since.
I can’t prove that’s what solved it, and you probably will want to get a diagnosis to find out what is going on, but might be worth a try? Not especially cheap though!
 
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Did mine on the tread mill while working offshore, I was exactly40. Had an OP but it didn’t fix it, still struggle with it now.
 
I had a similar experience in my 40's, I felt an injury whilst cycling. It turned out to be a torn cartilage, I had a minor knee op to tidy things up and haven't had a problem with it since.
 
glasshalffull said:
I don’t know if this will help you but it certainly seemed to work for me.
I played football into my fifties, but when I was about forty I started getting terrible knee pain and fluid on the joint.
I kept playing for about a year, and had more or less decided to pack in when a teammate told me about Glucosamine. I got the strongest I could find from Holland and Barrett. I think they also had Chondroitin or something like that in them.
Within a few days I could sense an improvement.
I took them for about six months, and then occasionally if needed for about three years. Knees have been fine since.
I can’t prove that’s what solved it, and you probably will want to get a diagnosis to find out what is going on, but might be worth a try? Not especially cheap though!
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Glucosamine can be hit or miss but it’s absolutely worth a try. I know a few lads who swear by it (combined with chondroitin)
 
I've had both knees operated on. First was a football injury age 40. Second was 'wear and tear' which started giving problems in my mid 50s. Wear and tear meant cartilage and mild rheumatoid arthritis. I had a meniscus/cartilage operation this July after about 3 years of problems. Pain. They kept kicking the can down the road. If you are not assertive they will push you away because they have so many people awaiting operations. I gradually became more assertive. Be assertive.
 
I suffered a torn knee cartilage whilst out running in my mid 60's. The doc said I would probably require some sort of surgery, but after having an MRI scan, I was sent for physio in order to build up the supporting mucles around the knee joint. This greatly helped and avoided me having to undergo a surgical procedure. I regularly keep up the exercises.
 
voyeur said:
I've had both knees operated on. First was a football injury age 40. Second was 'wear and tear' which started giving problems in my mid 50s. Wear and tear meant cartilage and mild rheumatoid arthritis. I had a meniscus/cartilage operation this July after about 3 years of problems. Pain. They kept kicking the can down the road. If you are not assertive they will push you away because they have so many people awaiting operations. I gradually became more assertive. Be assertive.
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That is what the doctor said it was wear and tear. I will try the holland and barrat recommendation and the 111.

If both fail then I will bite the bullet and pay £45 for physio and then go back with a dossier for the doctor.

The doctor said it was wear and tear. Not right for somebody in their mid 40s
 
First port of call must be a physio, I have just had a check done on my dodgy knee, 73 and still opening the bowling, and came away reassured that it will be fine if I do the exercises he has prescribed.

I have had a clean out of my left knee, landing leg when bowling, and was told I had a couple of seasons left, that was ten years ago

Getting old at 40+, made me smile that.
 
Redlips said:
That is what the doctor said it was wear and tear. I will try the holland and barrat recommendation and the 111.

If both fail then I will bite the bullet and pay £45 for physio and then go back with a dossier for the doctor.

The doctor said it was wear and tear. Not right for somebody in their mid 40s
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The doctor is quite possibly right, I think. But the real issue is how long it takes for you to get it sorted. They went through a delaying routine. Physio, injections etc. It needed an op and the op has made a big difference. You need to see a consultant asap and get to the op stage asap, if it's anything like mine.
 
voyeur said:
The doctor is quite possibly right, I think. But the real issue is how long it takes for you to get it sorted. They went through a delaying routine. Physio, injections etc. It needed an op and the op has made a big difference. You need to see a consultant asap and get to the op stage asap, if it's anything like mine.
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I'm not sure all that's needed yet, we don't really know the details, has it come on suddenly? Does it get worse with exercise? What kind if pain is it?

It's probably just a muscle injury, especially in your 40s, unless you've been a professional athlete.
 
Redlips said:
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
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I had similar issue and despite a number of scans, etc nothing was found. Went to the physio and she suspected muscle damage from an old injury when I was in my twenties and that my kneecap was floating. Gave me some simple exercises to build up damaged muscle and a couple of months later the pain was gone.

Worth going to the physio as first call.
 
I’ve had a scan a couple of months ago, as I was in excruciating pain with my right knee. I’ve bought a knee strap off Amazon which has helped massively. Appointment at the vic in the New Year and hopefully it will get sorted.
 
5 days at the gym if using the treadmill seems excessive in middle age. As others have said cut down on gym sessions that focus on running. There is a reason pro footballers and other sport athletes mostly retire by 35. Their” legs have gone” etc. Rest for a couple of weeks and see if the discomfort goes. If not try and get a hospital appointment as your GP seems to have failed you.
 
Lytham_fy8 said:
I'm not sure all that's needed yet, we don't really know the details, has it come on suddenly? Does it get worse with exercise? What kind if pain is it?

It's probably just a muscle injury, especially in your 40s, unless you've been a professional athlete.
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I said "if it's anything like mine." 👍
 
Appreciate your pain bud. At the same age I went for a full scan. However, like you, it was an age thing, I played my last game of competitive 11 a side 3 years ago, aged 55 and played 6 a side weekly since. Your body just gets shit mate, nothing you can do. Just keep going is my recommendation. UTP
 
Right knee shot to ribbons but I'll never let it stop me. Haven't been able to run since I did my meniscus in 2015. Probably need a new knee but the last steroid jab I had worked ok. Stay positive and build your quads 👍
 
Both myself and Mrs Insider have had bad knees recently but with different reasons however we were both "born in the 50's".
We decided a zoom call with the Doctor was probably not worth it so paid to see a physio and I'd recommend that as your first course of action. He should advise whether you need to embark on x-rays/scans or whatever. Ask on here for recommendations.
We both used to take glucosamine but changed more recently to turmeric. They won't cure an injury though more likely to help with ageing issues, IMO.
 
I'm 74 and have two arthritic knees. I do my best to keep them moving. Do a walk of at least 5 miles once a week. I find standing in one position for any length of time is painful, which is why I get a bit grumpy at people standing in front of me at a match. I visit a Thai lady, not a mucky one, who helps a great deal with her massage. I've found that doctors, on the whole are pretty useless. I take CBD which helps and otherwise just grin and bear it. Good luck.
 
Redlips said:
Any one else had this, perfectly healthy go swimming and to the gym 5 times a week.

All of a sudden my knee is killing me. Something feels wrong.

GP advised it is a age thing, in my 40s

I remember really hurting my knee playing football and I could not walk for a few days about 8 years ago then I riced it rest ice elevation and support.

Half thinking about getting some scans done, second opinion or a physio. Don’t want to burn money. Any guidance would be appreciated.

🎄🎄merry Christmas all
Click to expand...
I saw my GP with knee pain, she said it was soft tissue damage and gave me some ridiculously strong pain killers that left me unable to function. I asked to see her again and was told it would be 3 weeks to a month before I could get in but I could see a physio the same day.
The physio was the dogs bollocks, gave me a proper examination and told me I had arthritis, she said the worst thing to do with an arthritic joint is not to excercise it, I cycle 3 times a week and go to the gym 3 times to build up muscle around my knee joints, it still aches occasionally but is tons better, I think avoiding high impact excercise like road running helps as well, best of luck and merry Christmas mate 👍
Edit to add, I also take Tumeric and black pepper every day.
 
I had what I would describe as chronic knee pain about 12 years ago. It was sorted by a physio and was due to my knee cap being pulled over. It has re-occurred infrequently but I now know what exercises and manipulations to do to remedy. I am and have been fully active doing circuit training, cycling and gym stuff since. As posted above I would recommend a physio as my first port of call. Some (not all) GP’s do give the impression of knowing nowt.
 
Firstly I’d contact a knee consultant who will want you to have an MRI scan to identify the problem and course of action.
Could be physio, exercises or at worst an operation.
No point spending money on physio until you know what is wrong with your knee.
In the meantime I’d be lying on my back doing straight leg lifts with a bag of sugar on my ankle. This will strengthen the muscles around your knee and protect it. That exercise cannot do any harm only good.
I take tart cherry capsules which are great for joints.
Good luck, hope it’s soon fixed.
 
Talking about pain, I started getting pain on the inside of my elbow on my right arm, right on the bone. Went to the doctors and he said I’ve got golfers elbow, so I said I don’t play golf, he said well it’s caused by repetitive movements, people in the construction industry get it, electricians and the like. I’m not in the construction industry, I’m 79 and I’m left handed. He said, well you’ve got it, use some gel on it.
 
Nearly 52 here, no knee pain or joint pain of any kind.
Get it checked out. GP response lazy and unacceptable.
 
I do everything in moderation so keep fit but try not to over do it in any one area. To me, 5 times a week in a gym seems excessive and likely to lead to natural wear and tear issues especially if you are doing the same thing each time.

A jog, a bit of badminton and maybe a bike ride or walk each week is what I do which varies the load on any one part of the body and isn't an excessive amount.
 
CAGU said:
Firstly I’d contact a knee consultant who will want you to have an MRI scan to identify the problem and course of action.
Could be physio, exercises or at worst an operation.
No point spending money on physio until you know what is wrong with your knee.
In the meantime I’d be lying on my back doing straight leg lifts with a bag of sugar on my ankle. This will strengthen the muscles around your knee and protect it. That exercise cannot do any harm only good.
I take tart cherry capsules which are great for joints.
Good luck, hope it’s soon fixed.
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Going back to my post Mrs Insider had an MRI scan (£250+) and saw a consultant (£200) but only after advice from the physio. Both those things have had to be paid for privately.
In my case he didnt think that course of action was necessary so I haven't gone down that route , yet.
So I still think £40+ to see a physio is an economically more sensible first thing to do
 
BigHandsOliverKahn said:
I do everything in moderation so keep fit but try not to over do it in any one area. To me, 5 times a week in a gym seems excessive and likely to lead to natural wear and tear issues especially if you are doing the same thing each time.

A jog, a bit of badminton and maybe a bike ride or walk each week is what I do which varies the load on any one part of the body and isn't an excessive amount.
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5 tines a week in your 40s isn't excessive.
 
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