Knee Pain. Words That Played a Significant Part of My Life for Decades
As someone who worked from home, I spent 8 to 10 hours a day sitting at a desk. I have come to learn that a sedentary lifestyle is not ideal for one’s health.
Years ago, I was diagnosed with PatelloFemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a repetitive motion injury that can be caused by keeping the knee bent for extended periods and then suddenly standing. Despite the discomfort, I’ve learned coping strategies from my medical team developed to manage the pain. However, my knee pain returned with a vengeance, compelling me to once again receive treatment from my new medical care team. Ultimately, I was referred to the orthopedics department. The consultation regarding my recent x-rays was with someone I have come to refer to as Dr. Ageism, although I subsequently learned he is a physician’s assistant. That encounter left me feeling both insulted and dismissed.
My Experience: More Than Just Gray Hair
I began explaining my work conditions and prior diagnosis. To my astonishment, he cut me off with, “We don’t use that diagnosis for people of your age. What you are experiencing is just part of the aging process, just like your hair turning gray.” His dismissive attitude struck me deeply. I felt as though my pain and experiences were being reduced to nothing more than an inevitable consequence of getting older. It will likely progress.
Dr. Ageism’s comparison of my knee pain to the natural graying of hair was not only insulting but also dismissive of the real challenges I face. This response ignored the context of my work environment, the repetitive strain I experience, and the fact that my pain had been previously diagnosed and managed as PFPS. It reduced me to a stereotype rather than seeing me as a whole person with valid medical concerns.
The dismissiveness hurt more than I can articulate. It was not just an offhand comment; it was a blatant manifestation of medical ageism. He essentially told me that my pain was an inevitable part of getting older, not worth investigating further or treating with the same seriousness as a younger patient.
The Issue With Medical Ageism
This encounter highlights a pervasive issue: medical ageism. Ageism in healthcare can profoundly affect diagnosis and treatment, leading to inadequate care for older adults. It’s not merely an inconvenience; it’s a form of discrimination that can have lasting impacts on one’s quality of life.
Medical ageism occurs when healthcare professionals make assumptions about patients’ conditions based solely on their age. This bias can lead to:
- Misdiagnosis: By attributing symptoms to age, doctors may overlook underlying medical issues that could be effectively treated.
- Delayed Treatment/or No Treatment: When pain or other symptoms are dismissed as “just aging,” patients may not receive timely or appropriate interventions.
- Erosion of Trust: Dismissive attitudes can erode trust between patients and healthcare providers, discouraging individuals from seeking necessary care.
The Need for Awareness and Change
It’s essential for healthcare providers to approach each patient as an individual, regardless of age. Symptoms should be evaluated in context, considering lifestyle, work conditions, and medical history. Moreover, medical professionals need training to recognize and combat their biases.
Steps Forward
- Patient Advocacy: Patients must feel empowered to advocate for themselves and seek second opinions if they feel their concerns are dismissed
- Education and Training: Healthcare professionals should undergo training to recognize and counteract ageist biases.
- Ergonomic Assessments: Employers should be proactive in assessing and optimizing employees’ work environments, particularly for those working from home.
Happy Outcome: My Physical Therapist Got It Right
My experience with Dr. Ageism left me disillusioned, but I am fortunate to have a wonderful primary care physician who referred me to Kamren N. Akerman, PT. in Redondo Beach, CA. (I have his permission to use his name here.) I found him to be a remarkable and highly perceptive physical therapist. Unlike Dr. Ageism, Kamren took the time to question me thoroughly, understand my concerns, and how to best work towards my rehabilitation goals. His understanding and professionalism were a stark contrast to the dismissive attitude I encountered with Dr. Ageism.
Kamren reviewed my records and confidently stated that my knee condition was a moderate Level 2 issue, no doubt exacerbated by my work environment. He recognized that years of sitting had taken their toll on my knees. I can mitigate accelerated progression by taking steps to change my work and exercise habits. He provided me with practical tools and techniques to incorporate into my daily life. He even observed me walking up and down stairs, offering adjustments to lessen the impact on my troublesome knees. Who knew you could walk on stairs incorrectly? I learned that you walk upstairs using my good knee first, and down with the bad knee first. “Up with the good. Down with the bad.” While it requires me to retrain my brain, it is a simple thing I can do. I truly want to avoid any knee surgery.
At the conclusion of our session, Kamren, talked to me about my overall experience. It was then I related my previous visit with Dr. Ageism, and how I felt unheard and diminished, which is a rare occurrence at the healthcare system I belong to. I talked a little about having a blog on ageism and age discrimination. It was then, Kamren inspired me to write an article about knee pain. Apparently lots of people, despite their age, experience severe knee pain at some time in their lives. I have done additional research, and have added some ageism-related healthcare articles below, for your review.
Final Thoughts: Be Your Own Advocate
If you’ve experienced medical ageism, share your stories. By doing so, we can raise awareness and push for changes in healthcare practices. Let’s continue to hold healthcare providers accountable, not just for ageism, but for all forms of discrimination in the medical field.
Every individual deserves to be seen and heard, no matter their age. Together, we can challenge biases and create a more inclusive healthcare system. My encounter with Dr. Ageism highlights a pervasive issue: medical ageism. Ageism in healthcare can profoundly affect diagnosis and treatment, leading to inadequate care for older adults. It’s not merely an inconvenience; it’s a form of discrimination that can have lasting impacts on one’s quality of life.
The key takeaway from my experience is that we must be our own advocates. If you sense that a healthcare professional is dismissing your symptoms due to your age, speak up. It is crucial to make them aware of their biases, intentional or not. Your age should never diminish the quality of care you receive.
Medical ageism is a silent yet pervasive issue that can severely impact the quality-of-care older adults receive. It’s essential to challenge these biases and demand the respect and attention every patient deserves. My journey with knee pain has taught me the importance of seeking second opinions and not settling for a diagnosis that doesn’t feel right.
Resources
Ashton Applewhite is a leading authority on ageism and age discrimination. If you haven’t checked out her works and website, I encourage you to. Here is the transcript from a meaninful discussion in 2019.
Berkeley Talks transcript: Author Ashton Applewhite on counteracting ageism
A thoughtful article on having a discussion with your doctor.
This article resonated with me. How about you?
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2793359
"Ageism allows the younger generations to see older people as different from themselves, thus they subtly cease to identify with their elders as human beings."