Don’t Ignore Knee Pain in Your 40s: Prevention & Treatment in West Orange

In your 40s, you’re still active, working, raising a family, and maybe even chasing fitness goals. But then one day, a familiar twinge in your knee returns—and it doesn’t go away this time. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics in West Orange, we see countless patients in their 40s who initially dismissed their knee pain as “just soreness,” only to find it interfering with their ability to walk, exercise, or sleep.

Knee pain at this stage of life isn’t something to brush off. In this blog, we’ll explain what causes knee pain in your 40s, when it needs medical attention, and what treatment options are available at our West Orange office.

Why Does Knee Pain Often Show Up in Your 40s?

By the time you reach your 40s, your knees have likely endured years of activity—sports, exercise, work, or repetitive strain. Combined with natural age-related changes, this wear and tear can begin to reveal itself as stiffness, aching, and swelling.

Common Culprits of Knee Pain in Your 40s:

• Osteoarthritis: The most common cause, due to cartilage breakdown

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Pain around the kneecap

• Meniscus tears: Especially degenerative tears from squatting, twisting, or exercise

• Ligament strain: ACL or MCL strain from sports or sudden movements

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the knee’s fluid-filled sacs

• Tendinitis: Often from overuse (e.g., jumping, running, squats)

Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

You might think some soreness is normal, but these symptoms are red flags:

• Pain that lasts longer than 2 weeks

• Swelling that comes and goes

• Clicking, popping, or locking in the knee

• Pain going up or down stairs

• Stiffness in the morning or after sitting

• Loss of range of motion

• Knee giving out or feeling unstable

Our team in West Orange recommends seeking evaluation if any of the above persist. Early intervention can prevent further damage and get you back to doing what you love.

What to Expect During Your Knee Evaluation

At Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, your visit starts with a comprehensive approach:

• Full medical history and symptom review

• Physical exam to test range of motion, strength, and knee stability

• Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound if needed to confirm diagnosis

We use this information to create a personalized treatment plan based on your activity level, goals, and condition.

Non-Surgical Treatments That Really Work

We believe in helping you heal without surgery whenever possible. Our conservative treatments for knee pain in your 40s include:

✅ Physical Therapy

• Strengthens supportive muscles around the knee

• Corrects movement patterns

• Restores flexibility and function