Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edinburgh)
Joint pain is often brushed off as a normal part of ageing or an unavoidable consequence of staying active. Many people assume that aching knees or hips are simply due to “wear and tear” and will eventually settle on their own. While mild, occasional discomfort can be normal, not all joint pain should be ignored.
Understanding when joint pain is more than just wear and tear is important, as early assessment and treatment can help prevent long-term joint damage and loss of function.
When people refer to wear and tear, they are usually describing age-related changes in the joints. Over time, cartilage may gradually thin, and joints may become less resilient. These changes can lead to stiffness or mild discomfort, particularly after prolonged activity or rest.
However, wear and tear does not always explain persistent or worsening pain. Many joint conditions can cause symptoms that are mistakenly attributed to ageing, even in younger or active individuals.
Certain symptoms suggest that joint pain may be due to an underlying condition rather than normal ageing.
There are orthopaedic conditions that mimic the symptoms of wear and tear but may actually be more serious and require specific treatment.
Joint degeneration can begin subtly and may cause pain long before significant changes appear on imaging.
Small tears in the knee meniscus or hip labrum can cause persistent pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms, even without a major injury.
Damage to joint cartilage can lead to pain during movement and may progress if left untreated.
Chronic strains or partial tears can cause ongoing discomfort and joint instability.
Abnormal contact between the hip bones during movement can lead to pain, reduced range of motion, and labral injury, especially in active individuals.
Delaying evaluation of joint pain can allow conditions to worsen over time. Early assessment and intervention offer many advantages, including a wider range of treatment options and better long-term outcomes.
Furthermore, when joint pain is addressed early on, many underlying conditions can still be managed with conservative measures such as activity modification, physiotherapy, or targeted injections, thereby reducing the likelihood of needing surgical intervention later.
A thorough assessment is key to determine the true cause of joint pain. This usually includes a detailed medical history and physical examination, focusing on movement patterns, joint stability, and areas of tenderness. Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans may be used when appropriate to assess bone, cartilage, and soft tissue structures before arriving at a diagnosis.
You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience:
While some joint discomfort can be part of ageing or an active lifestyle, persistent or worsening pain should not be simply dismissed as normal wear and tear. Many treatable conditions can cause joint pain, and early assessment plays an important role in protecting long-term joint health.
If joint pain is limiting your activities or not improving with time, contact us to make an appointment with our orthopaedic specialist, Dr Wang Lushun today for an accurate diagnosis and prompt, effective treatment.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Wang Lushun is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. He has in-depth experience in minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic surgery. Dr Wang provides orthopaedic care to athletes and everyday individuals throughout their journey to recovery.
