Knee pain is often dismissed as a natural part of ageing, but orthopaedic specialists warn that osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly affecting Malaysians at a younger age, making early intervention more important than ever.
In a study by the Malaysian Journal of Medical and Health Sciences in 2010, knee OA was estimated to affect 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the elderly population in the country. These pain problems were more common in adults aged 40 years and above.
Another study by the Community Oriented Programme for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) conducted in Malaysia reported that 64.8 per cent of joint complaints were regarding the knee. Aside from this, 23 per cent of patients over 55 years old complained of pain, and the figure increased to 39 per cent among those above 65 years old.
Sharing on the matter, Sunway Medical Centre, Subang, Consultant Orthopaedic Trauma, Arthroplasty and Robotic Surgeon Dr Jeffrey Jaya Raj affirmed that compared to a decade or two ago, OA is increasingly diagnosed in younger patients, with many developing symptoms in their 50s.
“While ageing remains a major risk factor, the growing popularity of high-impact recreational activities such as hiking and pickleball, together with previous joint injuries and lifestyle factors, may contribute to earlier joint wear and the onset of OA in some individuals,” said the doctor.
Although an active lifestyle remains important, Dr Jeffrey added that proper muscle strength training and technique are equally important to prevent injuries leading to OA.
As the Malaysian population continues to age, OA presents itself as a greater health challenge among the community. Although advances in treatments have improved patient outcomes, Dr Jeffrey said that there are still more people living with OA alongside other chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.
“These comorbidities can increase the complexity and risks associated with surgical procedures, including knee or hip replacement, making early diagnosis, preventive care and timely conservative management increasingly important,” said Dr Jeffrey.
A disease commonly overlooked
OA is commonly overlooked as patients tend to neglect pain coming from the joints, especially the hip or knee joints. This, the orthopaedic specialist elaborated, can lead to joint deformity and walking difficulties. To add salt to the wound, many who are suffering from this pain delay treatment as long as possible, lamented Dr Jeffrey.
“When individuals develop pain, swelling, deformities like ‘bow-legged’, difficulty ambulating, pain when sitting to standing, or climbing and descending stairs, among others, seeking early treatment is the key to prevention,” he said, adding that many are afraid as they think treatments involve undergoing surgery.
However, that is not always the case, as conservative treatments can be used to manage OA. Beyond medical treatment, Dr Jeffrey emphasised weight reduction and muscle strengthening as key lifestyle modifications for OA patients.
“For desk-bound individuals, muscle mass and strength decrease rapidly compared to physically active individuals, especially as we get older, above 40, due to the onset of sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and strength),” he added.
Dr Jeffrey continued, “But physically active individuals can suffer from sports injuries due to poor technique or avoidance of proper warm-up and warm-down. This can lead them to succumb to injuries, which may result in OA later in life.”
Individuals with excess body weight are also among the most significant modifiable risk factors for OA, particularly of the knees. The doctor said that with every additional kilogramme of body weight, the load placed on the knee joints increases during everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs.
Therefore, it is important to maintain strong muscles and a healthy weight, as they help support the joints, absorb impact more effectively, and reduce the risk of injury and joint degeneration over time, he added.
Sharing on behalf of Malaysia-based healthcare company BREGO Life Sciences, Dr Jeffrey is a passionate doctor in advancing orthopaedic care. He is currently actively involved in research, medical education and scientific presentations, particularly in the fields of arthroplasty, robotic surgery and osteoarthritis management.
