As World Menopause Day approaches on October 18th, it’s essential to highlight an issue that many women face during menopause, which is joint pain. This discomfort, also known as arthralgia, can disrupt daily routines and make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. The reality of how common this issue is was made clear by a 2023 study conducted by the Integrated Women’s Health Programme at the National University Hospital and the National University of Singapore, which found that around 30 to 40 per cent of menopausal women in Singapore experience joint pain.
For those experiencing it, this pain can turn routine activities like walking or standing into exhausting challenges, leaving women physically and emotionally drained. Many believe joint pain is just a part of ageing, but hormonal changes during menopause are often the cause. Next, we will look at why menopausal joint pain is often overlooked and how acknowledging it can lead to better care.
Why It’s Easy to Overlook Menopausal Joint Pain
While menopause is widely recognised for symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, its impact on joint health often receives less attention. As mentioned earlier, joint pain during menopause is frequently attributed to ageing, when in fact hormonal changes, particularly the decline in oestrogen, play a major role. Oestrogen helps regulate inflammation, and as levels drop, the body becomes more susceptible to joint stiffness and pain in areas like the knees and ankles.
Additionally, weight gain is common during menopause, which further stresses these joints. The added weight increases pressure on the joints, worsening pain and reducing mobility. This combination of hormonal changes and increased joint stress can create a cycle where pain discourages physical activity, leading to further weight gain and compounding the issue. And as they all say, “No pain, no gain”…
By understanding how these factors contribute to joint pain, women can begin exploring ways to improve mobility and manage symptoms more effectively. Now, let’s see how joint pain impacts one’s daily life and what are some useful strategies for managing these challenges.
The Impact of Joint Pain on Daily Life
While joint pain can be challenging to live with, several approaches offer relief and support. Here are some recommendations:
- Exercise: Low impact activities like walking or swimming, help maintain flexibility and strengthen muscles that support the joints.
- Strength and Balance Training: Strengthening muscles around the joints improves stability, while balance exercises reduce the risk of falls.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight eases pressure on weight-bearing joints, reducing joint pain and improving movement.
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can create personalised exercise plans to target painful areas and enhance joint function.
- Podiatry: Consulting a podiatrist can provide relief for lower limb joint pain. This is done through treatments focused on the lower limbs.
Find Relief for Joint Pain at East Coast Podiatry
As menopause progresses, hormonal changes can lead to increased joint pain, making it hard to stay active. When you start to realise that methods like exercise or weight management can no longer provide adequate relief, it’s time to seek focused care to address your discomfort.
Here at East Coast Podiatry, we understand how lower limb joint pain can affect your ability to move freely. Our non-invasive precise treatments address the root causes, providing relief for pain in your knees, ankles, and/or feet. If joint pain is starting to interfere with your daily routine, acting promptly is important. Our podiatrists are ready to help you regain comfort and freedom, so reach out today and take the first step toward lasting improvement.
