The number of Americans over the age of 65 is growing. The Administration on Aging projects there will be twice as many people aged 65 and older in the year 2030 as there was in the year 2000. As the human body ages, certain ailments seem to present themselves more frequently than others. Hip and knee problems are fairly common for older people.
Hip Fractures
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports 320,000 hospital admissions in 2004 were due to hip fractures. Approximately 90 percent of hip fractures are caused by falls. Surgery is required, and a lengthy stay in a nursing home is almost always necessary.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a frequent cause of hip and knee pain. Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joints, which causes the bones to rub together. Obesity, which is on the rise in the United States, can cause osteoarthritis of the knee.
Rheumatoid arthritis describes a condition where the lining of the joint is inflamed. Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center lists medication, reduction of joint stress and physical therapy as effective treatments for arthritis. Surgery is done if these more conservative treatments fail. Gout is a type of arthritis that may cause intense and sudden pain in the knees, often at night, according to MayoClinic.com.
Septic arthritis is an infection that can strike without warning or previous injury. This infection may cause redness, pain in the joints and fever. Septic arthritis can happen at any age.
Injuries
Injuries to muscles and connective tissue, like cartilage, tendons and ligaments, can lead to pain. Additionally, the pain from previous injuries may return, especially if those injuries involved a tear or rupture to soft tissue, or a dislocated or broken bone.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs in the spine may cause pain that radiates to the hips, especially at night. Sciatic nerve problems, also in the back, may affect the hips.
Limited Mobility
Older people seem more prone to hip and knee problems than their younger counterparts, which limits an elderly person's ability to move around. This limited mobility restricts activities of daily living and decreases the quality of life. Nursing home stays after back or knee surgeries are usually lengthy, preventing a return to normal activities. Decreased physical activity leads to more health problems. Often, a full recovery is not possible, and the older person never regains his independence.
