What can be done for knee pain in elderly people over 70 years old?

The knee usually refers to the knee joint. In general, knee pain in individuals over 70 years old may be caused by aging, excessive body weight, ligament injury, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, among other reasons. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include non-pharmacological management and medications. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Aging

With increasing age, the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears down, the joint space narrows, the joint surface becomes uneven, and supporting tissues such as ligaments gradually degenerate. These changes may reduce joint stability and lead to knee pain. Maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding overuse of the knee joint are recommended.

2. Excessive Body Weight

Excess weight results from consuming more energy than the body expends, leading to fat accumulation. Being overweight increases stress on the knee joints, accelerating wear and degeneration, which can result in knee pain. It is advisable to avoid prolonged standing, walking, or carrying heavy loads in daily life.

3. Ligament Injury

Ligament injuries are typically caused by external forces, intense physical activity, or chronic strain. When ligaments are damaged, knee pain may occur, often accompanied by swelling, bruising, and limited joint movement. Patients should follow medical advice and may use medications such as Huoxue Zhitong Capsules, Diclofenac Sodium Sustained-Release Tablets, or Shujin Huoxue Tablets for treatment.

4. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis may arise from abnormal anatomical structure, trauma, or muscle weakness. It causes progressive cartilage loss in the knee joint, narrowing of the joint space, and bone spurs (osteophytes) due to bony overgrowth at joint margins, resulting in knee pain. Symptoms may also include joint swelling and stiffness. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as Chondroitin Sulfate Tablets, Etoricoxib Tablets, or Compound Eucommia Anti-Osteophyte Granules.

5. Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis can be triggered by long-term consumption of high-purine foods, intense exercise, certain medications, or chronic alcohol consumption. When uric acid levels in the blood become too high, urate crystals deposit in the joints, potentially causing knee pain. Symptoms often include morning joint stiffness and difficulty moving the joint. With physician guidance, medications such as Indomethacin Tablets, Diclofenac Sodium Enteric-Coated Tablets, or Allopurinol Tablets may be used for treatment.

Individuals over 70 should focus on maintaining a healthy weight, avoid prolonged standing or carrying heavy loads, engage in moderate low-impact exercises to strengthen muscles around the joints, and maintain a balanced diet to help prevent knee pain.