Knee pain is no longer just a problem of ageing. More and more young adults even in their 20s and 30s are visiting orthopedic clinics with persistent knee pain. Whether it’s because of long hours of sitting, lack of physical activity, excessive workouts, or sports injuries, knee pain in the younger generation is becoming a growing concern.

Dr. Dinesh Reddy, a specialist in Joint Replacement and Arthroscopy, explains why knee pain is common in young adults, how to prevent it, and when to seek medical help.

Why Young Adults Experience Knee Pain

While older adults usually face knee pain due to arthritis, the causes in young adults are quite different. Some of the most common include:

• Sports or Workout Injuries: Sudden twists, overtraining, or improper warm-ups can strain ligaments like the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) or meniscus.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for long hours at desks or in front of screens weakens leg muscles, leading to joint stiffness.
• Weight Gain: Even a small increase in body weight puts additional stress on your knees with every step.
• Improper Footwear: Wearing unsupportive or flat shoes affects alignment, leading to long-term knee discomfort.
• Postural Imbalance: Poor posture while sitting, standing, or exercising can alter joint pressure and lead to pain.
• Previous Injuries: An untreated minor sprain or fracture can result in chronic knee pain over time.

Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Don’t brush off these warning signs as “normal soreness” they may indicate early damage:

• Pain or discomfort while climbing stairs or squatting
• Clicking or locking sensation in the knee
• Swelling or stiffness after sitting for long periods
• Pain after workouts or running
• Feeling of instability or “giving way”

If these persist for more than a week, it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist.

Prevention Tips for Healthy Knees

Dr. Dinesh Reddy emphasizes that preventive care is the best treatment. Here are simple lifestyle habits that protect your knees:

• Exercise Smartly: Focus on low-impact workouts like swimming, cycling, or brisk walking. Strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles.
• Warm Up & Stretch: Always prepare your joints before exercising and cool down afterward.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Even 1 kg of weight loss reduces nearly 4 kg of pressure on your knees!
• Check Your Footwear: Use shoes with proper cushioning and arch support, avoid worn-out or flat soles.
• Take Movement Breaks: Avoid sitting for too long. Get up, stretch, or take a short walk every hour.
• Mind Your Posture: Keep your spine straight and knees aligned while sitting or standing.

Treatment Options

• When knee pain interferes with daily life, modern orthopedic solutions can help:
• Medication & Physiotherapy: For mild pain and inflammation.
• Injections (PRP or Hyaluronic Acid): Reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery to repair ligament or cartilage injuries.
• Advanced Joint Preservation Techniques: Help delay or avoid the need for replacement in younger patients.

Dr. Dinesh Reddy specializes in arthroscopic (keyhole) procedures that offer faster recovery, smaller scars, and quicker return to activity.

When to See a Doctor

If your knee pain lasts more than a week, limits movement, or is accompanied by swelling, locking, or instability, it’s time to consult an orthopedic surgeon. Early diagnosis ensures faster recovery and prevents long-term damage.

About Dr. Dinesh Reddy

Dr. C. Dinesh Reddy is an Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement, and Arthroscopic Surgeon known for his expertise in treating complex bone and joint problems.

His practice focuses on personalized care, minimally invasive techniques, and rapid recovery helping patients of all ages return to an active, pain-free life.

Dr. C. Dinesh Reddy
Consultant Orthopaedic, Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgeon

📍 Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad

📞 +91 7337236777

🌐 www.drdineshreddyorthopedic.com