Bone & Joint · 7 min read
Knee pain after 40: when to push through, and when to see a doctor
Aching knees are common in midlife — but stiffness, swelling and giving way are not things to work through. What our orthopaedic team looks for.
Knee pain becomes more common from the forties onwards, and much of it responds well to activity modification, strengthening and weight management rather than surgery.
Discomfort that appears after unusual activity and settles within a day or two is usually nothing to worry about. Persistent swelling, a knee that locks or gives way, pain that wakes you at night, or a joint that has visibly changed shape all deserve assessment.
An orthopaedic consultation typically begins with an examination and, where useful, an X-ray. Most people leave with a plan built around physiotherapy — surgery is discussed only where the structure of the joint genuinely requires it.
The strongest protective factor remains muscle strength around the joint. Even modest, regular work on the quadriceps and hips reduces pain and delays progression for many patients.
This article is general information, not medical advice for your individual case. If something here sounds like your situation, book a consultation and we will look at it properly.