Introduction: Aging is a natural process that brings about various physiological changes in the body, with one of the most commonly affected areas being the musculoskeletal system. Among the numerous age-related conditions, knee joint pain is particularly prevalent, affecting millions of older adults worldwide. This pain is often associated with degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, which is characterized by the wear and tear of cartilage, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and impaired mobility. The increased prevalence of knee pain with age not only reduces the quality of life but also imposes a significant burden on healthcare systems. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of knee joint pain in aging populations is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. The study aimed to assess the knee joint pain among Elders and to determine the association between the knee joint pain score with selected socio demographic variables.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, researcher adopted a Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey design using purposive sampling technique among 100 geriatric clients with the age of 60 years and above. The data collected using standardized Oxford knee score scale based on expert’s validation and inclusion criteria of the study. Ethical clearance was taken from institutional ethical committee. Data was analyzed by using Descriptive and Inferential statistics.
Results: The results painted a clear picture of the burden of knee joint pain among the elderly in the selected community areas of Kolar. A significant 45% of the participants experienced moderate pain, followed by 31% with good scores, indicating manageable discomfort. Meanwhile, 20% were suffering severely, falling into the poor score category, and only a small 4% reported excellent joint health. These findings highlight that knee joint pain is a common concern among the elderly, with the majority living with moderate to severe discomfort, underscoring the urgent need for early screening and intervention at the community level.
Conclusion: The study revealed that knee joint pain is highly prevalent among the elderly in selected community areas of Kolar, significantly affecting their mobility and quality of life. Early assessment and timely interventions can greatly reduce discomfort and dependency. Promoting awareness and community-based care can pave the way for healthier aging.
