Feeling Knee Pain after the age of 40:

As we get older, it’s not uncommon to feel aches and pains that weren’t there before.

One of the most common complaints after the age of 40 is knee pain.

But how do you know if it’s just a part of aging—or a sign that something more serious is going on?

Let’s break it down.

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Why Does the Knee Start Hurting After 40?

Your knees do a lot of work.

Every time you walk, bend, stand, or sit, your knees help carry your body weight and absorb impact.

Over time, this wear and tear can take a toll on the structures inside the knee, like cartilage, tendons, and the joint lining.

As you age:

• The cartilage (which cushions the knee) gets thinner
• Muscles around the knee may weaken
• You may lose flexibility
• Past injuries might start to show their effects

So yes, some knee pain is part of the natural aging process.

But not all pain should be ignored.

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When Is Knee Pain Not Normal?

If your knee pain is:

• Constant or worsening over time
• Swelling or feels warm to the touch
• Causing a clicking or locking feeling
• Making it hard to walk or bend the knee
• Happening after a minor injury and not improving

Then it may not be “just aging.” You could be dealing with:

• Osteoarthritis – common after 40, where the protective cartilage wears away
• Meniscus tear – a cartilage injury that can happen even with simple movements
• Tendonitis – inflammation in the tendons from overuse
• Ligament strain or tear – common with twisting or sudden movement

These conditions need proper care to avoid long-term damage.

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What Can You Do About It?

You don’t have to live with knee pain—even if it’s mild.

Here’s what helps:

Stay active
Low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming keep your joints healthy.

Strengthen muscles
Strong thigh, hip, and calf muscles take pressure off the knee.

Watch your weight
Every extra kilo adds pressure to the knees. Losing even a little can reduce pain.

Use proper footwear
Supportive shoes help with balance and reduce joint stress.

Don’t push through pain
Pain is your body’s way of saying something’s not right. Rest when needed.

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When to See a Physiotherapist or Doctor

If home remedies don’t help after a couple of weeks,

or if your pain is stopping you from doing everyday activities,

it’s time to get it checked.

A physiotherapist can assess your movement, find the root cause,

and guide you with exercises to improve strength and reduce pain.

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Final Thought

Not all knee pain after 40 is serious, but it’s also not something to brush off.

Think of it as your body giving you an early warning.

With the right care, exercises, and a little attention,

most people can manage or even prevent knee pain from becoming a long-term problem.