Understanding Your Parents’ Knee Pain: When Does It Need a Specialist?
By Dr.Sanjiv Rampal, Orthopaedic Consultant, KL.


Hello KL! We know how stressful it is seeing your parents or older loved ones struggle with daily activities due to persistent knee pain. If your mother or father is slowing down, it’s crucial to understand what might be happening—it could be Knee Osteoarthritis (OA), a common but manageable condition in the elderly.

Signs It Might Be OA (Look Out For These):
Morning Stiffness: Difficulty getting going in the morning or after resting, but usually improving within 30 minutes.

Activity-Related Pain: Pain that is worse after walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing, and feels better after rest.

Creaking/Grinding: Hearing or feeling a “crunch” (crepitus) in the knee when they move it.

Difficulty with Basic Chores: Needing help standing up from a chair, getting in/out of the car, or using the toilet.

Immediate Action (How You Can Help):
Switch the Load: Gently encourage them to swap high-impact activities (long walks, stair climbing) for low-impact options like swimming or static cycling (if comfortable).

Pain Relief Check: Ensure they are using safe, simple pain relief like oral Paracetamol or topical NSAIDs (check with their GP, especially if they have kidney issues or are on blood thinners).

Book the Appointment: Don’t delay. The best next step is a consultation with an Orthopaedic Specialist. We can confirm the diagnosis with a simple X-ray and discuss all management options.

Optimising Their Long-Term Mobility:
The goal is to keep them moving and independent! This is achieved through:

Targeted Physiotherapy: The cornerstone of care. Strengthening the muscles around the knee provides a vital shock absorber for the joint.

Walking Aids: Using a cane or walker in the hand opposite the painful knee can significantly off-load the joint and improve stability.

Weight Management: If they are overweight, helping them manage their diet can drastically reduce stress on the knee.

👉 Taking action now can preserve their quality of life for years to come. Be their health advocate!

#KneePain #ElderlyHealth #KualaLumpur #Orthopaedics #KneeOA #ParentCare