When Should You Start Worrying About Knee Pain? Expert Advice from Dr. Hayden Joseph

Joint pain is a common issue that can affect anyone whether from aging, sports, or repetitive daily activities. While occasional aches are normal, knowing when joint pain requires professional care is key to protecting your long-term mobility and quality of life. 

To shed light on this important topic, we turned to Hayden Joseph, MD, an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Longview, Texas, specializing in revision joint surgery. His insights help clarify when joint pain is a temporary setback versus a warning sign of a bigger issue. 

Why Staying Active Protects Your Joints

“Staying active is crucial for maintaining joint health,” explains Dr. Joseph. Aerobic exercise not only strengthens the muscles that support your joints but also reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and helps manage weight—all factors that protect against joint damage.

Examples of low-impact activities include:

• Walking or light jogging
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Cycling or stationary biking
• Yoga or Pilates

These movements keep your joints flexible without overloading them. 

Understanding Your Joint's "Comfort Zone"

Every joint has a range of comfort, and pushing past it can trigger pain. Activities such as repetitive hammering, frequent golfing, or marathon training can place unusual strain on hips, knees, and shoulders.

While mild soreness after new activities is normal, persistent pain that limits daily life and doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications may indicate a deeper issue. Dr. Joseph stresses:

“You shouldn’t be limited in life because of pain.”

When Pain Becomes Chronic

Chronic pain is more than just discomfort—it affects mental health, sleep, and daily activities. Signs that joint pain has shifted from temporary to chronic include:

• Pain lasting more than three months
• Difficulty with walking, bending, or climbing stairs
• Avoiding activities you once enjoyed out of fear of pain
• Reduced ability to work, play sports, or complete daily tasks

Chronic pain can create a cycle: you move less to avoid discomfort, but inactivity weakens supporting muscles and makes pain worse. 

When it's time to see a doctor

Seek medical evaluation if:

• Pain interferes with work, hobbies, or basic mobility
• OTC medications and rest provide little relief
• Stiffness or swelling persists
• Pain is accompanied by clicking, locking, or instability

An orthopedic specialist can evaluate whether nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, or medications can help before considering surgery. 

Surgical Options and Approaches

For advanced hip or knee arthritis, surgical options may restore mobility and reduce pain. Dr. Joseph often uses anterior-based, muscle-sparing approach for hip replacement, which offers:

• Smaller incision
• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of dislocation

Patients who undergo this approach often resume daily activities sooner than with traditional methods. 

Experiencing persistent joint pain? Find an orthopedic doctor near you to schedule a consultation.

Key Takeaway

Joint pain shouldn't control your life. Staying active, listening to your body's comfort limits, and seeking timely medical care can prevent small issues from becoming long-term problems. If you're struggling with persistent joint pain that limits your daily activities, schedule a consultation with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Early evaluation can help you return to the activities you love with less pain and more confidence.