Health and Me

Health And Me Desk

Joint Pain In Women: Why It Should Not Be Dismissed As Ageing

Why Women Should Not Ignore Joint Pain

<span>Joint pain in women</span> is often written off as an inevitable part of ageing. Two senior orthopaedic specialists say that assumption can delay diagnosis of conditions that respond far better when caught early.

<h2>Not every ache is “just age”</h2>

Brigadier (Dr.) Barun Datta, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedic Surgery at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata, says increasing age does raise the risk of osteoarthritis, but women can also develop inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis much earlier, at young or middle age. “It should not be presumed that joint pain relates automatically to the changes in hormones and ageing,” he said.

Dr. Rakesh Rajput, HOD of Orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, Kolkata, frames it as a question of impact rather than age. “The question worth asking is not whether the pain is expected at a certain age, but whether it is starting to interfere with everyday life,” he said. Women, he noted, often simply learn to work around persistent pain, which can delay the right diagnosis.

<h2>The hormone connection is real, but not the whole story</h2>

The doctors point to menopause as a genuine factor. Dr. Rajput said falling oestrogen levels during and after this transition can affect joint tissue and bone health, which is why many women report new joint aches during these years. Datta agrees hormonal change “might be related to musculoskeletal health,” but cautions against treating it as an automatic explanation.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/joint-pain-in-your-30s-and-40s-when-should-you-worry-article-156321171" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Joint Pain In Your 30s And 40s: When Should You Worry?</a>

The research backs this up. A review in Climacteric notes that joint aches are among the most commonly reported symptoms at menopause, with osteoarthritis affecting nearly twice as many women as men after menopause. Separately, a 2024 meta-analysis published in BMC Rheumatology found <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/nutritionist-shares-tips-for-a-healthy-menopause-for-indian-women-article-151513831" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">postmenopausal</a> women have a 35% higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-is-perimenopause-having-a-wellness-moment-the-everyday-changes-women-should-know-article-156029646" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">premenopausal</a> women. Worldwide, an estimated 18% of women over 60 have symptomatic osteoarthritis, against 9.6% of men, according to figures cited in a review on joint disorder treatment.

<h2>Know the difference between types of arthritis</h2>

Datta stresses that not all <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/arthritis" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">arthritis</a> is the same. Osteoarthritis involves structural, wear-related changes within the joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that can cause significant joint damage if untreated. Dr. Rajput adds that not every painful joint even means arthritis at all, which is exactly why symptoms need proper examination rather than assumption.

The experts list similar warning signs: swelling, morning stiffness that lasts a while, warmth around a joint, and difficulty with daily activities like climbing stairs or sleeping through pain. Dr. Rajput said a doctor may order blood tests or imaging based on the history and findings to reach a diagnosis.

Dr. Rajput recommends regular low-impact activity such as walking, swimming or cycling, paired with appropriate strength training, along with maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet. Exercise should be tailored to the individual, and any movement that triggers pain should be modified, not pushed through, he said.

Both doctors land on the same message: long-standing joint pain in women shouldn’t be normalised or endured in silence. With timely diagnosis, Dr. Rajput said, “symptoms can be controlled, independence maintained, and quality of life protected.”

Health Conditions A-Z

health

why-women-should-not-ignore-joint-pain

joint pain in women

arthritis symptoms in women

menopause and joint pain

osteoarthritis in women

rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

dr-rachna-shroff-indian-american-cancer-researcher-who-turned-her-diagnosis-into-advocacy

Dr Rachna Shroff: Indian-American Cancer Researcher Who Turned Her Diagnosis Into Advocacy

digital-lifestyle-and-neck-pain-how-to-keep-your-spine-healthy-in-the-age-of-smartphones

Digital Lifestyle and Neck Pain: How to Keep Your Spine Healthy in the Age of Smartphones

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Joint pain in women is often written off as an inevitable part of ageing. Two senior orthopaedic specialists say that assumption can delay diagnosis of conditions that respond far better when caught early.Not every ache is “just age”Brigadier (Dr.) Barun Datta, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedic Surgery at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Kolkata, says increasing age does raise the risk of osteoarthritis, but women can also develop inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis much earlier, at young or middle age. “It should not be presumed that joint pain relates automatically to the changes in hormones and ageing,” he said.Dr. Rakesh Rajput, HOD of Orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, Kolkata, frames it as a question of impact rather than age. “The question worth asking is not whether the pain is expected at a certain age, but whether it is starting to interfere with everyday life,” he said. Women, he noted, often simply learn to work around persistent pain, which can delay the right diagnosis.The hormone connection is real, but not the whole storyThe doctors point to menopause as a genuine factor. Dr. Rajput said falling oestrogen levels during and after this transition can affect joint tissue and bone health, which is why many women report new joint aches during these years. Datta agrees hormonal change “might be related to musculoskeletal health,” but cautions against treating it as an automatic explanation.Also Read: Joint Pain In Your 30s And 40s: When Should You Worry?The research backs this up. A review in Climacteric notes that joint aches are among the most commonly reported symptoms at menopause, with osteoarthritis affecting nearly twice as many women as men after menopause. Separately, a 2024 meta-analysis published in BMC Rheumatology found postmenopausal women have a 35% higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to premenopausal women. Worldwide, an estimated 18% of women over 60 have symptomatic osteoarthritis, against 9.6% of men, according to figures cited in a review on joint disorder treatment.Know the difference between types of arthritisDatta stresses that not all arthritis is the same. Osteoarthritis involves structural, wear-related changes within the joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that can cause significant joint damage if untreated. Dr. Rajput adds that not every painful joint even means arthritis at all, which is exactly why symptoms need proper examination rather than assumption.When to actually see a doctorThe experts list similar warning signs: swelling, morning stiffness that lasts a while, warmth around a joint, and difficulty with daily activities like climbing stairs or sleeping through pain. Dr. Rajput said a doctor may order blood tests or imaging based on the history and findings to reach a diagnosis.Daily habits that helpDr. Rajput recommends regular low-impact activity such as walking, swimming or cycling, paired with appropriate strength training, along with maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet. Exercise should be tailored to the individual, and any movement that triggers pain should be modified, not pushed through, he said.Both doctors land on the same message: long-standing joint pain in women shouldn’t be normalised or endured in silence. With timely diagnosis, Dr. Rajput said, “symptoms can be controlled, independence maintained, and quality of life protected.”

joint pain in women: why it should not be dismissed as ageing

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Joint Pain In Women: Why It Should Not Be Dismissed As Ageing

Digital Lifestyle and Neck Pain: How to Keep Your Spine Healthy in the Age of Smartphones

GLP-1 Drugs May Offer Mental Health Benefits, Reduce Schizophrenia Relapses: Lancet Study

Ozempic Baby: Can GLP-1 Drugs Help Women With PMOS Conceive?

Health Conditions A-Z

Joint Pain In Women: Why It Should Not Be Dismissed As Ageing

Dr Rachna Shroff: Indian-American Cancer Researcher Who Turned Her Diagnosis Into Advocacy

Digital Lifestyle and Neck Pain: How to Keep Your Spine Healthy in the Age of Smartphones