Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Knee Pain in Elderly Patients: Physiotherapy in Faridabad
Knee pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint in adults over 60 in India, driven primarily by osteoarthritis of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. Beyond pain, knee OA causes functional limitation, fall risk, reduced quality of life, and depression.
Physiotherapy — particularly targeted exercise therapy — is the most evidence-based treatment for knee OA and is recommended as the first-line intervention by all major international guidelines.
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, our expert physiotherapists provide personalised, evidence-based care. Serving NIT, Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh, Sector 21–82, and across Faridabad. Contact us: +91 9818185589.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Knee osteoarthritis: cartilage degeneration causing joint space narrowing and bone-on-bone pain
- Meniscal degeneration: degenerative tears in older adults (different from traumatic tears in younger patients)
- Patellofemoral osteoarthritis: common in women, causing anterior knee pain on stairs and slopes
- Pes anserine bursitis: inner knee pain below the joint line, often in obese or diabetic patients
- Baker's cyst: posterior knee swelling from joint fluid accumulation in OA
- Gout: crystal deposition causing episodic knee pain and swelling
- Referred pain from the hip or lumbar spine
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain and stiffness of the knee, worst in the morning and after sitting (OA pattern)
- Crepitus: grinding or clicking during knee movement
- Swelling and warmth: particularly after activity
- Reduced range of motion: difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
- Weakness and reduced walking distance
- Giving way or instability from quadriceps weakness
Physiotherapy Treatment at Realign Rehab, Faridabad
- Quadriceps strengthening: the most effective treatment for reducing knee OA pain
- Aquatic physiotherapy: low-impact strengthening with minimal joint loading
- Manual therapy: patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint mobilisation
- Weight management programme: every kilogram lost reduces knee load by 4 kg per step
- Footwear and orthotic assessment for knee varus/valgus deformity
- TENS and electrotherapy for acute pain management
- Activity modification and pacing guidance for daily life
- Staging and surgical referral assessment when OA is end-stage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to exercise with arthritic knees?
Yes — exercise is the most evidence-based treatment for knee OA and is recommended by all major guidelines. Appropriate exercise reduces knee pain and improves function.
The key is choosing the right type and intensity.
Can physiotherapy prevent knee replacement?
Physiotherapy significantly delays and in some cases prevents knee replacement for moderate OA. The earlier physiotherapy is started, the greater its protective effect.
Surgery becomes necessary when pain and disability are severe despite best conservative management.
What exercises are safe for elderly patients with knee arthritis?
Swimming, cycling, and water aerobics are the most joint-friendly. Seated knee strengthening, heel raises, and step exercises are also appropriate. High-impact exercise (running, jumping) should be avoided during active flares.
How long does knee pain physiotherapy take in elderly patients?
An initial intensive course of 8–12 sessions over 8–10 weeks produces real improvement. Long-term maintenance with a home exercise programme is essential for sustained pain reduction.
What is the best pain relief for knee arthritis without medication?
Exercise therapy is the most effective and safest pain relief for knee OA. TENS and ultrasound therapy provide additional short-term pain relief during physiotherapy sessions.
Heat packs are useful for morning stiffness.
Book Your Consultation
Contact Realign Rehab Clinic today:
- 📍 NIT-5, Faridabad (near Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh Road)
- 📞 +91 9818185589
- 🕑 Mon–Sat: 8 AM–8 PM