Knees Archive

Physical therapy and weight loss can relieve knee pain and protect your mobility.

The pain from an arthritic knee can be intense, limiting daily activities and independence. Men can try a range of medications, but overall acetaminophen (Tylenol, other brands) appears to relieve pain only slightly better than a placebo pill, according to a research review in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The researchers pooled results from 137 randomized clinical trials involving about 33,000 people with knee arthritis and compared the relative effectiveness of the following treatments:

Mobility relies on the body's two largest joints, the hips and knees. We ask a lot of both these joints: they must bear our full weight and coordinate movement over a lifetime of standing, walking, running, dancing, and sports. Not surprisingly, hip and knee pain are common complaints, and nearly everyone who lives into old age can expect some trouble with these joints. But taking care of your hips and knees and managing any pain that arises will help you avoid losing mobility as you age.

Try these self-help measures when knee or hip pain strikes:

Don't rush into it, but don't wait longer than you need to.

More than 700,000 Americans will have one or both knee joints replaced this year, usually because of damage from wear-and-tear arthritis. Age itself is no barrier, and about half of total knee replacements go to people 65 and older. Replacing a joint damaged by osteoarthritis helps men stay active and independent.