Knee Pain in Older Adults

Wear of the cartilage that cushions the knee, causing pain with activity, stiffness after rest, swelling and, over years, deformity and loss of function.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee pain after fifty deserves a real plan before anyone mentions replacement. A conservative-first lane built by Dr. Hoopes for exactly this patient.

Knee Pain in Older Adults

Arthritis that develops years after a fracture, dislocation or ligament injury damaged the joint surface, often in a younger patient than typical osteoarthritis.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Rheumatoid, psoriatic and other autoimmune arthritis that attacks the joint lining and, over time, destroys the hip and knee joints. Managed with rheumatology; replaced when the joint fails.

Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip and Knee

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

Knee Pain in Older Adults

Most knee pain after fifty is early arthritis, a degenerative meniscus tear, or weakness that has let the joint drift out of balance.

All three often coexist. None of them requires an operation to start feeling better.Dr. Hoopes built a dedicated lane for this patient because the alternative is too often a quick referral for surgery or a quick dismissal.

At a glance

WhoAdults over 50

Usual causesEarly arthritis, meniscus

First stepExam and standing X-rays

Treated by

Daniel Hoopes, MD, Foot and Ankle surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. HoopesFoot and Ankle

Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement

or call801-640-0000

Knee Pain in Older Adults

Symptoms

Stiffness getting out of bed or a car.Pain on stairs, especially going down. Swelling after a long walk or a day on your feet. A knee that feels weak or unreliable on uneven ground.

Pain that wakes you at night or prevents walking a block is a sign to be seen sooner.

Common signs

Stiff getting out of bed or a car

Pain going down stairs

Swelling after a long walk

Knee feels weak on uneven ground

See us sooner if

Pain that wakes you at night

Cannot walk a block

Knee Pain in Older Adults

Causes

Cartilage thins with age and old injuries.The meniscus dries and frays. Quadriceps and hip muscles weaken, which loads the joint unevenly. Weight gain multiplies the force through the knee with every step.A specific injury is often the last straw rather than the cause.

Knee Pain in Older Adults

How We Diagnose It

A thorough history and exam of the knee, hip and gait.Standing X-rays grade arthritis and alignment. MRI is used only when it would change the plan, which is less often than patients expect.You leave the first visit with a diagnosis in plain language.Built for Utah Valley adults over fifty who want to keep hiking, skiing and playing pickleball; most improve within two to three months. Dr. Hoopes and Dr. Wallentine operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

Knee Pain in Older Adults

Treatment Options

Targeted strengthening, weight-bearing adjustments, footwear and bracing, anti-inflammatories and injections, with follow-up to adjust the plan.

Most patients improve meaningfully within two to three months.If the knee eventually needs replacement, Dr. Wallentine is down the hall and your record comes with you.

Your options

Non-surgical

Targeted strengthening

Footwear and bracing

Anti-inflammatories

Injections

Surgical

Replacement if needed

Total Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement

Biologic Treatments

Knee Pain in Older Adults

Procedures That Address It

Total Knee Replacement

Partial Knee Replacement

Biologic Treatments

Knee Pain in Older Adults

Surgeons Who Treat It

Dr. Hoopes, MD

Fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. Twelve years in practice.

Dr. Wallentine, MD

Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330