Knees starting to ache

[TheGirlWithTheGoldenHair]

Hi,
I’ve just turned 53 and have noticed that my knees are starting to get stiff/ache quite a bit, especially if I have been going up and down stairs a lot. I visit London quite a bit and, obviously, there are lots of stairs on the underground. I also climbed up a cathedral tower the other day (spiral staircase that went on forever) - I could hardly walk for 2 days afterwards! I’m a size 16 and could do with losing a few pounds as I was always a 12/14 for most of my adult life. I am a few years post-menopausal (not had HRT - boy, did I have a few crappy years).

I walk a bit - like walks and hikes (although hills are getting tougher now).

Is it just age? I was wondering if there was a supplement I could take, or one of the oils?? Can anyone recommend anything???

Feeling sad I’m not a spring chicken anymore!!

I’m the same. Menopause and achy joints.

Must be an age thing!

Age but also, I’m sorry to say, being overweight won’t be helping you

I was the same. I was overweight and noticed my knees were aching. I also experienced issues getting up from the floor from a kneeling position if I had been folding laundry for instance.

I lost weight (4.5 stone so probably more than you need to) and started exercising. Strength training with weights and cardio for heart health. My diet is also very different and I no longer drink alcohol. I don’t get any knee pain now or aching joints.

I think as you get older it’s a case of use it or lose it. The loss of muscle mass accelerates and you need to work to maintain/build it. The good news is it’s achievable and you can make big changes even if you start when you’re older.

I have just finished listening to this (and the linked 'Doctors notes' podcast after it) and it has some interesting information about the mechanics of and managing knee pain. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0029rw1

I’m the same. Upped my HRT, trying to maintain weight by eating nutritional food and not put on any more weight ( uphill struggle). doing strength training and cardio regularly has helped enormously and my knees no longer ache

Is it your joints or muscle that’s painful. If it’s your joints you’re probable developing osteoarthritis. You need to do some strength exercises to strengthen your muscles to support your knees - ideally in the gym. I’d see your GP. If it’s your muscles it could be a vit D deficiency

I am only 41, but quite overweight and have noticed the odd twinge. It is absolutely my weight in my case. I am high end of overweight on bmi, maybe nudging into lower end of obese. Wine is the main culprit for me, so I'm knocking booze on the head now.

I have found exercise, especially yoga is helping me, but obviously I need to be careful. I used to run, but I'm not risking it. Cycling, swimming, yoga, pilates are the ones I am finding helpful

Weight is a huge problem with knee pain - just one extra stone is like lugging a bag of potatoes around at all times
after that leg strength - and all women should do strength work
yoga is probably also a good idea

Sorry but another one saying weight.

I’ve lost just over 4 stone taking me from a 16 to a 10 and the impact on my joints is unbelievable.

I know I need to lose some weight. I’ve been through a lot, emotionally, over the last few years on top of menopause (with no HRT). I do tend to eat more these days and need to stop as I have definitely gone up and up. I was always quite slim. My new job isn’t helping as I work compressed hours over 4 days so sat at a desk for up to 10 hours a day! Obviously, do try and go for a walk at lunch.

I will work at it. I’ve started taking cod liver oil too. Not sure if that will help. It seems to be my joints and muscles tbh.

I’m with you
im 50, overweight, my knees are playing up but it’s my ligaments i think as I’ve pulled them in the past. I also have a heel spur so I think the heel is putting pressure on my walking making the knee hurt
as a carer and working full time, time to myself is limited so time (and if I’m honest motivation) to exercise is limited currently. Considering mounjaro to get some weight off and to help change eating habits

keen to know about supplements which may also help

Try collagen supplements. I take them for joints but they also keep my skin clear, my hair soft and my eyes bright. Also try Glucosamine and Chrondroitin supplements (usually sold in combination) mine have ginger and turmeric in them- both anti inflammatories