Jonathan Bell Debunks Knee Wear Myth, Offers 5 Joint Health Tips

1 articles · Updated · saga.co.uk · Aug 7

Half of over-50s had some degree of knee trouble in the past year, and orthopaedic surgeon Jonathan Bell said knees do not simply “wear out” like tyres but can adapt and improve with the right training.
Six or seven in 10 patients at Bell’s clinic report kneecap pain, which he said rarely needs surgery and usually responds to physiotherapy-led strength work that gradually builds tolerance without overloading the joint.
1kg of weight loss cuts compressive force on the knees by about 4kg per step, and Bell said better metabolic health can also ease pain by reducing inflammation linked to osteoarthritis.
Regular movement protects rather than destroys knees, Bell said, noting runners without prior injury or surgery do not ruin their joints; he advised managing load, cross-training and avoiding long sedentary spells.
Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric lack strong evidence, Bell said, while women over 50 may face higher kneecap pain and osteoarthritis risk because of anatomy and menopause-related changes.