Knee pain that is worse at night and does not ease with rest or painkillers should be checked by a doctor, as it could be a sign of bone cancer rather than arthritis. Dr Syed Nadeem Abbas of Knee Pain Clinic UK said most knee pain in this age group is due to wear and tear, but a specific pattern of pain needs proper investigation.
The symptom that should not be ignored
Dr Abbas said the symptom to watch for is knee pain that gets worse at night and does not settle with rest or painkillers. Ordinary arthritis or overuse pain often improves when sitting down or taking weight off the joint, but pain linked to a bone tumour may be constant, gradually worsening, and just as bad when lying still.
Swelling, a lump near the joint, or unexplained weight loss and tiredness are also signs worth raising with a GP. Chondrosarcoma, one of the more common types of primary bone cancer, affects adults over 40 more than any other age group and often develops near the hip, thigh or areas close to the knee.
Arthritis prevalence in the UK
Arthritis UK figures show more than 10,000 adults, young people and children in the UK live with some form of arthritis, which is one in six people. The condition causes pain, fatigue, disability and mental and financial strain, affecting people's ability to work, care for family and live independently.
What to do for everyday knee pain
For everyday knee pain that fits the usual pattern, Dr Abbas said simple steps may help. Resting the joint for a day or two, applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can ease a flare-up. Low-impact exercise such as swimming or cycling can keep the joint mobile, and a physiotherapist can identify weak muscles around the knee.
Vitamin D levels are also worth checking, as low levels have been linked to joint pain and weaker bone health, and a simple blood test can rule this in or out. Anyone over 40 with knee pain that does not improve with rest, is worse at night, or comes with swelling or a lump, is encouraged to get it checked rather than assume it will pass.
