Is your knee or hip pain more than normal aging?

A little stiffness in the morning. Mild discomfort after a long day on your feet. Soreness after a walk that seems to linger longer than it used to. These experiences can feel so common that it is easy to dismiss them as a normal consequence of age.

But pain that lingers, worsens or starts changing your routine may be more than normal aging.

Aging can contribute to changes in the joints, but that does not mean knee or hip pain should be ignored. 

"One of the most common things we hear from patients is, 'I thought this was just part of getting older,'" said Jacob Brennan, MD, a total joint surgeon at UT Health San Antonio and assistant professor of orthopaedics in the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at The University of Texas at San Antonio. "What many people do not realize is that pain is not always something they have to accept. Understanding the cause can open the door to treatment options that help patients stay active and independent.” 

Most patients do not wake up one morning unable to walk comfortably. Instead, they make gradual adjustments that become part of their daily routine.

“Joint pain does not always start as severe pain,” Brennan said. “Sometimes the first signs are small changes people make without thinking about it, like avoiding stairs, walking shorter distances or planning their day around how their knee or hip feels.”

Over time, those small changes can begin to limit daily life. For some people, the impact extends beyond physical activity and begins affecting sleep, energy and independence.

Joint pain can have many causes. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common, but it is not the only possibility. Previous injuries, inflammation, muscle weakness and changes in joint alignment can all contribute to discomfort. An evaluation can help determine what is causing the pain and which treatment options may be appropriate.

“Seeing a total joint surgeon does not mean surgery is the only option,” Brennan said. “The first step is understanding what is causing the pain. From there, we can talk through various treatment options that may include physical therapy, strengthening, activity changes, bracing, injections or other treatments before surgery is considered.” 

The goal of orthopaedic care is not only to reduce pain. It is also to help patients move more comfortably, maintain independence and continue doing the activities that matter most to them.

Learn more about total joint care or call 210-450-9300 to schedule an appointment.

Medically reviewed by Jacob Brennan, MD.