What to do about stiff achy knees at any age

Patrick Sziraky, MD

Knee pain can hit at any age - in the 30s or 40s as easily as the 60s and 70s. Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeon Patrick Sziraky, MD, says osteoarthritis, or "wear-and-tear arthritis," is one of the most common causes of knee pain. It includes more than 100 types of arthritis or joint inflammation.

"Osteoarthritis is like a rusty hinge," says Dr. Sziraky, who sees patients at Medina Hospital. "The knee still works, but it creaks."

"If you have pain inside your knee, under your kneecap, especially when kneeling, squatting or going up and down steps, it's usually wear-  and-tear arthritis," says Dr. Sziraky.

Cartilage, the cushioning between bones, deteriorates throughout life. It can erode more quickly in some people due to injury or genetics. As cartilage thins, bones begin to rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

To help soothe the discomfort, Dr. Sziraky recommends:

* Anti-inflammatory medications. Try aspirin or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is a good pain reliever but does not reduce inflammation.

* RICE therapy. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation can help reduce swelling and pain.

* Physical therapy. Exercise that strengthens your quads and hamstrings may help relieve the pressure on your knees.

* Knee braces. They can take pressure off the arthritic area.

* Cortisone injections. An occasional injection of this steroid may lessen the swelling and achy pain.

* Lubricant injections. Viscosupplementation, or lubricant injections, can help the knee move more smoothly. "It can temporarily relieve the symptoms of arthritis in people with mild to moderate degenerative knee arthritis," Dr. Sziraky says.

If pain and swelling worsen, and you can no longer put weight on your knee, Dr. Sziraky recommends you see a physician. An X-ray can detect osteoarthritis and, if needed, an MRI scan can check for meniscal tears or loose chips of cartilage.

Arthroscopic surgery can sometimes remove loose cartilage. Partial or total knee replacements are other surgical options, especially for those who can no longer stay as active as they'd like.

"Surgery is a last resort," says Dr. Sziraky. "It's something to consider when nonoperative treatments aren't helping."

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sziraky or another Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeon at Medina Hospital, call 866.275.7496. For more information, visit clevelandclinic.org/ortho. Cleveland Clinic offers same-day appointments.