Doctor warns 'arthritis mistake' by those born before 1986 'could be cancer'

Doctor warns 'arthritis mistake' by those born before 1986 'could be cancer' More than 10 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis, affecting around one in six people People over 40 who develop knee pain often assume it is arthritis, an old sports injury, or simply a sign of getting older. In most cases, that is the most likely explanation - but an expert is warning that one pattern of pain should be checked properly rather than written off. Arthritis UK figures show there are more than 10,000 adults, young people or children living in the UK with some form of arthritis - that is one in six people. It says this leaves them living with the pain, fatigue, disability and under mental and financial strain, impacting their ability to work, care for family, and even live independently. However, while most of the time this is as result of ageing, there are sometimes other things behind the pain - and some symptoms that need to be checked out. Dr Syed Nadeem Abbas of Knee Pain Clinic UK said: "Most knee pain in this age group comes down to wear and tear, and that's still the most likely explanation. "What tends to get missed is pain that doesn't follow the usual rules, pain that's worse at rest than at activity, or wakes someone up at night rather than settling. That's the pattern I'd always want checked properly rather than put down to getting older, because catching anything unusual early makes a real difference to the outcome." The symptom to watch for The expert said the symptom to watch for is knee pain that gets worse at night and does not ease with rest or painkillers. Ordinary knee pain from arthritis or overuse often improves once you sit down or take weight off the joint. Pain linked to a bone tumour can behave differently. It may be constant, gradually worsening, and just as bad, or worse, when lying still as when on your feet. Swelling, a lump near the joint, or unexplained weight loss and tiredness are also signs worth flagging to a GP. Chondrosarcoma, one of the more common types of primary bone cancer, is known to affect adults over 40 more than any other age group, often developing near the hip, thigh or areas close to the knee, which is why age is relevant here. What to do if you are dealing with knee pain Dr Abbas said that for everyday knee pain that fits the usual pattern, simple steps may help. Resting the joint for a day or two, applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can ease a flare-up. Low impact exercise such as swimming or cycling can help keep the joint mobile without adding strain, and a physiotherapist can identify whether weak muscles around the knee are contributing to the problem. Vitamin D is also worth getting checked, since low levels have been linked to joint pain and weaker bone health, and a simple blood test through your GP can rule it in or out. None of this replaces a proper diagnosis, but it can be a sensible starting point while monitoring how the pain behaves. Anyone over 40 with knee pain that does not improve with rest, is worse at night, or comes with swelling or a lump, is being encouraged to get it checked rather than assume it will pass.