The knee is one of the most important joints in the human body because it is responsible for helping us move, walk, stand up, sit down, climb stairs, and many more. It takes a lot of pressure compared to other joints, so if it’s not taken care of very well, it could affect someone’s way of living. Unfortunately, it’s also a common pain people experience not only in the Philippines but around the world. Many people tend to ignore this kind of discomfort in the beginning and wait until the pain becomes unbearable.
At PMP Pain Center, we’ve had patients visit our physical therapy and rehabilitation center to complain about knee pain while doing simple movements like walking to the kitchen or climbing a few steps at home. And one thing we’d assure them of is that they don’t have to live with their knee pain forever, no matter how long they’ve endured it. Here’s what you need to know.
How Common Is Knee Pain in Filipinos?
Knee pain is extremely common in the Philippines, especially among adults and older individuals. A study published in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal (OARSI) reported that around 4.2 million Filipinos suffer from osteoarthritis, a condition where the joints slowly wear down over time.
This study showed that most Filipino patients with osteoarthritis are middle-aged to elderly women, and the knee is the most affected joint, making up 62.5% of the cases they reviewed. And most of these patients lived with symptoms for about four years before finally seeing a doctor.
Common Causes of Knee Pain While Walking or Climbing Stairs
Many people think that the leading cause of knee pain while walking or climbing stairs is just old age. But there are actually a lot of factors that’s causing it Here are some of them:
• Obesity and Weight Issues
Extra body weight puts more stress on the knees. So essentially, it’s like carrying a heavy backpack on your legs every day. Your cartilage is what normally cushions the joints, and it has to work harder to absorb the pressure because of the extra weight. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing extra pounds can reduce stress on your knees and help prevent long-term damage.
• Sedentary Lifestyle
Not being physically active can weaken the muscles that support your knees. One research from the Asia Pacific Journal of Allied Health Sciences found that sedentary adults were more likely to experience knee pain compared to those who stay physically active. That’s why it’s important to stay active and do simple activities like walking, stretching, and light strength exercises.
• Specific Health Conditions
Other conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders can affect blood flow and joint health. They can indirectly increase the risk of knee pain because blood flow is very important for delivering nutrients to the joints to keep it healthy. Poor circulation can make tissues more prone to injury.
• Injuries and Overuse
Accidents and sport injuries can also make it hard for a person to walk or climb stairs. And even though it’s just a minor injury, if you don’t seek proper care it can turn into a chronic problem. That’s why it’s important to give your knees time to rest and seek help from licensed physical therapists if needed.
How to Address Knee Pain While Walking or Climbing Stairs
Experiencing knee pain while walking or climbing stairs is a common problem people face. But it doesn’t mean that you have to keep living with it or giving up the activities you love. Here are a few ways to manage discomfort and protect your knees:
- Have your knees checked by a doctor or a physical therapist once you feel persistent pain or discomfort.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knees.
- Don’t abuse your knees by doing repetitive, high-impact activities.
- Manage any underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Strengthen the muscles around your knees through exercises.
- Make it a habit to visit a physical therapist for guidance and early intervention.
- Apply ice or heat to relieve pain and inflammation
Keep Your Knees Healthy with Regular PT Checkups
Your knees are one of the most used and stressed parts of your body, so it’s important to give them the attention they deserve. That’s why when you feel something wrong with your knee, even if it’s just minor discomfort, it’s always best to have it checked early before it turns into something more serious.
At PMP Pain Center, our physical therapists provide personalized care and advanced treatments to keep your knees healthy. If you’re experiencing knee pain while walking or climbing stairs, schedule a consultation at a PMP Pain Center near you.
