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Arthritis
Leg pain is common with arthritis, especially in older adults. Depending on the age and joint condition, there are different types of arthritis, but two of the most common types that can affect the legs are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: It occurs secondary to wearing and tearing of the cartilage between the knee joint. Wearing of the cartilage due to age causes rubbing of the knee bone against each other – leading to knee pain, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is a type of arthritis in which the body’s own immunity mistakenly attacks the joints. The immune cells attack the synovium – the thin lining around the membranes of the joints. This leads to inflammation in the joints and can result in joint damage over time.