Chronic Knee Pain in Recreational Hikers Over 45

Q1: Why do recreational hikers over 45 often develop chronic knee pain?
A1: Hiking involves repetitive uphill and downhill walking, carrying backpacks, and uneven terrain, which can strain the knee joints, ligaments, and surrounding muscles. Age-related cartilage wear increases the risk of chronic pain, limiting hiking ability and affecting confidence, independence, and social hiking activities.

Q2: What are the common symptoms in this group?
A2: Symptoms include aching, swelling, stiffness, limited mobility, and occasional sharp pain, often worsening during long hikes or climbing stairs. Chronic pain can reduce participation in group hikes or family outings, causing frustration and emotional stress.

Q3: What short-term or common remedies do hikers usually try first?
A3: Many try:

• Knee supports or plasters for temporary relief.
• Analgesic gels or creams to ease discomfort.
• Pharmaceutical painkillers such as NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors.
• Acupuncture, which may provide temporary pain relief.
• Physiotherapy, focusing on strengthening, stretching, and improving knee stability.

While helpful temporarily, these measures may not fully restore knee function or prevent recurring pain.

Q4: How does The Pain Relief Clinic approach knee pain differently?
A4: The Pain Relief Clinic emphasizes non-invasive technology, including HotHeal Therapy, shockwave therapy, and targeted physiotherapy, designed to reduce pain, restore knee function, and support long-term hiking performance. Their stress-free process allows fast access to diagnostics like MRI. Eligible Singaporeans, permanent residents, and some international patients may use cashless services, removing large upfront payments and letting patients focus on returning to hiking and daily activities without pain.

Q5: What preventive measures can help reduce knee pain for hikers over 45?
A5: Recommendations include strengthening quadriceps and hamstrings, using supportive footwear, pacing hikes gradually, warming up and cooling down properly, and using trekking poles for joint support.

Q6: Who is this treatment suitable for?
A6: This approach is ideal for recreational hikers over 45 experiencing chronic knee pain, who want non-invasive, effective relief, stress-free access to diagnostics and treatment, and possibly cashless billing, enabling them to enjoy hiking and maintain an active lifestyle.