Women More Likely to Experience Hip, Knee, and Feet Pain

When you talk with friends—or reflect on your own experience—pain often comes up. Occasional aches are part of life, but ongoing pain and discomfort become much more common as you get older. Pain in the hips, knees, and back is especially widespread. According to the National Institute on Aging, chronic pain is often linked to underlying conditions such as Arthritis. It can also develop after an injury, surgery, or as part of another ongoing health issue.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health Interview Survey highlights just how common pain is across the U.S. population:

• 39.0% of adults reported back pain in the past three months
• 36.5% reported lower limb pain (hips, knees, legs, feet)
• 30.7% reported upper limb pain (shoulders, arms, hands)

Certain groups are more likely to experience ongoing pain:

• Adults age 65 and older, women, and those with lower incomes were more likely to report back and upper limb pain
• Lower limb pain was also more common among older adults and women
• Younger adults (18–29), men, and those with higher incomes were less likely to report frequent pain

These findings reinforce a simple reality: as you age, the likelihood of dealing with chronic pain increases. Understanding the causes—and addressing them early—can make a meaningful difference in your mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

Women More Than Men

For centuries, people have believed women are the more sensitive gender. There appears to be some truth in that assumption. Women (39.2%) are more likely to experience pain in their hips, knees, or feet than men (33.5%). 

Recent research shows that women are more sensitive to pain. According to a report published in October's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), women have more nerve receptors, which cause them to feel pain more intensely than men.

According to Bradon Wilhelmi, MD, author of the study, there are real-life implications to how the genders perceive and handle pain.

This study has serious implications about how we treat women after surgery as well as women who experience chronic pain. Because women have more nerve receptors, they may experience pain more powerfully than men, requiring different surgical techniques, treatments, or medicine dosages to help manage their pain and make them feel comfortable. — Dr. Bradon Wilhelmi.

Health Related Pain Issues

Living with any pain can be challenging, no matter the cause of the pain. Pain creates a new set of health-related issues. For instance, pain can:

• Get in the way of your daily activities

• Disturb your sleep and eating habits

• Make it difficult to continue working

• Be related to depression or anxiety

• Keep you from spending time with friends and family

Richard W. Rosenquist, MD, Chairman of Cleveland Clinic's Department of Pain Management, says multiple factors play a role in how we experience pain. These factors include genetics, social status, exercise, and information processing in the brain. And for women, hormones, puberty, reproductive status, and menstrual cycle also affect pain threshold and perception.

It's essential to find the source of the pain so that it can be treated effectively. Dr. John Paggioli, a pain specialist and medical director at Eastern Connecticut Pain Treatment Center in Norwich, says there are many treatment options for chronic pain depending on the cause.

While medication can be an important part of a pain management plan, it's not the only thing that can help. There are many other options available, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and interventional techniques which include steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation of sensory nerves to joints and the spine, and spinal cord stimulation often used for failed back surgery syndrome. — Dr. John Paggioli

Pain Can Limit Independence and Mobility

Pain and ongoing discomfort can significantly limit your ability to perform everyday activities—things you once took for granted. As pain worsens, mobility often declines, making it harder to stay independent. Over time, this becomes one of the leading reasons people require long-term care services.

Longer lifespans mean more people are living with chronic health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a majority of older Americans have multiple chronic conditions, which increases both healthcare needs and long-term care costs.

Persistent pain is especially common as you age:

• Studies show roughly 60% to 75% of adults age 65+ report ongoing or chronic pain
• Pain prevalence increases with age
• Women are more likely than men to report persistent pain

Pain doesn’t just affect your body—it impacts your mental health as well. Individuals living with chronic pain are significantly more likely to experience Depression or anxiety. Research suggests people with ongoing pain may be up to four times more likely to struggle with these conditions compared to those who are pain-free.

Some conditions are especially complex and difficult to manage. Fibromyalgia, for example, is closely linked to depression, with individuals often experiencing both at the same time. This overlap can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.

Other conditions can also lead to persistent, long-term pain and often require specialized care. Rehabilitation and targeted therapy at a plantar fasciitis rehab are often effective, but ignoring the pain can make the condition worse over time. Ongoing discomfort can also affect your overall well-being, sometimes contributing to issues like depression. 

Seeking professional support is essential. While it may be tempting to push through the pain, you don’t have to live with it—early treatment can improve both your physical health and quality of life.

The key takeaway is simple: don’t ignore pain. While it may seem easier to push through discomfort, early evaluation and treatment can improve your mobility, protect your independence, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Be Proactive

Most experts recommend taking a proactive approach—getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment early. When pain is ignored, it often worsens over time, increasing the likelihood of mobility issues and the need for long-term care later in life.

While research shows women tend to report higher levels of pain than men, pain is a growing concern for everyone as they age. That’s why planning ahead matters. Addressing the future costs and burdens of aging and declining health should be part of your retirement strategy—ideally before your health changes or your options become limited.

Long-Term Care Insurance is often used as a way to provide access to quality care services without draining assets or placing a burden on loved ones. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s when they still have reasonably good health and premiums are affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Pain, Aging, and Long-Term Care

How common is chronic pain as you age?

Chronic pain becomes increasingly common with age. Studies show that 60% to 75% of adults age 65 and older report ongoing or persistent pain.

What types of pain are most common in adults?

According to recent data from the CDC:

• 39.0% of adults report back pain
• 36.5% report lower limb pain (hips, knees, legs, feet)
• 30.7% report upper limb pain (shoulders, arms, hands)

These types of pain often increase with age.

Why does pain increase as you get older?

Pain often increases due to underlying health conditions such as arthritis, past injuries, surgeries, and age-related wear and tear on the body. Longer lifespans also mean more people live with chronic conditions that contribute to ongoing discomfort.

Are women more likely to experience pain than men?

Yes. Research shows women are more likely to report pain than men and may experience it more intensely due to differences in nerve receptors and hormonal factors.

How does chronic pain affect daily life?

Chronic pain can:

• Limit mobility and independence
• Interfere with daily activities
• Disrupt sleep and eating habits
• Make it harder to work or stay active
• Reduce time spent with family and friends

Can chronic pain impact mental health?

Yes. People living with chronic pain are significantly more likely to experience depression or anxiety—in some cases up to four times more likely than those without pain.

What are some conditions that cause long-term pain?

Common conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Plantar fasciitis
• Post-surgical or injury-related pain

Some of these conditions require specialized care and long-term management.

Why is it important to treat pain early?

Ignoring pain can lead to worsening symptoms, reduced mobility, and increased risk of needing long-term care. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and help maintain independence.

What treatment options are available for chronic pain?

Treatment depends on the cause but may include:

• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Interventional treatments (such as injections or nerve procedures)

A specialist can help determine the best approach.

How does chronic pain relate to long-term care needs?

Chronic pain can limit mobility and daily functioning, making it harder to live independently. Over time, this can lead to the need for long-term care services such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing care.

When should you plan for long-term care?

Planning should begin before your health declines, ideally in your 50s when you are more likely to qualify for coverage and premiums are lower.

How can Long-Term Care Insurance help?

Long-Term Care Insurance can:

• Provide access to quality care services
• Protect your savings and assets
• Reduce the burden on family caregivers
• Help you maintain independence longer

What is the key takeaway about pain and aging?

Pain is common, but it should not be ignored. Taking a proactive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care planning can help you stay active, independent, and financially secure as you age.