THE DEPRESSION-KNEE PAIN CONNECTION
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is painful enough on its own. When you add depression, that can make the pain even worse. Here’s what you need to know about the link between OA knee pain and depression—two very common, and fortunately very treatable, conditions.
Depression May Worsen Osteoarthritis Pain
OA of the knee can cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness. As it worsens, it may begin to interfere with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of chairs. And depression seems to magnify the pain and disability.
Research has shown that people with both OA and depression are more likely than those who have OA to have trouble with daily activities at home and work. They’re also apt to view themselves as less healthy overall. Scientists are still sorting out the reasons for this, but multiple factors may be involved:
- Did you know depression can sap your energy and motivation? That makes it harder to take care of yourself and stick with your OA treatment.
- Depression itself can cause aches and pains as a symptom. This may be because people with depression tend to have above-normal levels of cytokines—immune system proteins that promote inflammation.
- Another common symptom of depression is trouble sleeping. Lack of sleep can make it more difficult to manage pain.
OA Pain May Trigger Depression
Studies show that depression is more common in people with OA than in the general population. In one study, CDC researchers found that nearly 18% of U.S. adults with arthritis also had depression.
Researchers believe that the relationship between depression and OA is a two-way street. While depression may worsen OA symptoms, OA may cause or worsen depression, too. One explanation: OA can be stressful if it causes chronic pain or problems. For some people, this stress may trigger a bout of depression.
Watch for Warning Signs
If you have knee OA, be sure you know how to recognize the warning signs for depression. Possible symptoms include:
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Irritability or restlessness
- Lack of energy and tiredness
- Long-lasting feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Unexplained aches, pains, or digestive problems
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional. If you have thoughts of suicide, get help immediately. Call your doctor or therapist.
Fight Pain and Depression
When you have depression and knee OA, it’s important to take care of both.
Treatments for OA may include medications, exercise, weight loss, braces, heat or cold, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and other approaches. Surgery may also be an option. With the right combination of treatments, you can greatly reduce the pain and stress of OA, and that can give your mood a lift.
Of course, depression needs attention, too. The sooner treatment for depression is started, the more effective it’s likely to be.
The good news is some of the leading depression treatments also help control pain:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a proven treatment for depression. This form of psychotherapy teaches people strategies to manage and overcome unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. It can also teach skills for coping with chronic pain.
- Many antidepressant drugs have both mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects.
- Physical exercise is another effective mood booster. If you have knee OA, it can also enhance your ability to manage pain and carry out your daily activities.
In the CDC study, only about half of arthritis patients who also had depression or anxiety sought help for their mental health condition. Choose to be in that group. By getting help for your emotional pain, you might find that you can reduce your knee pain, too.
Key Takeaways
- Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is linked with depression.
- Depression magnifies the pain and disability of OA, while OA pain can sometimes trigger depression.
- It’s important to recognize the symptoms of depression and seek medical help. Treatment is available for both depression and OA, and some treatments can even help both at once.
