# Moving Smarter as You Age

> Dr. Johnston explains how aging affects joint pain and simple changes can keep you active.
- Title: Moving Smarter as You Age · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Dr. Johnston explains how aging affects joint pain and simple changes can keep you active. Dr. Johnston says mild joint pain with aging is normal and…
- Keywords: james johnston, gbmc healthcare, orthopedics, joint pain, aging, activity modification, arthritis, news, local, Moving, Smarter, Age
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sponsored-content/moving-smarter-as-you-age-6U6TE7RHTRHEPIKFZLPOU4BD4Q
- Published: 2026-10-01T18:41:53.329+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: james johnston, gbmc healthcare, orthopedics, joint pain, aging, activity modification, arthritis, news, local
## Joint Pain After Travel
Weeks after your big trip to the National Park or pickleball tournament, your joints still hurt.
## Normal Aging Symptoms
Dr. Johnston says knee and hip pain with aging is normal and doesn’t mean the end of an active life.
## Cartilage Wear Process
Cartilage wears down slowly with age like tire tread, but lacks nerves so you don’t feel pain until it’s worn thin.
## Bone Irritation Cause
Without cartilage cushioning, bone underneath gets irritated when activity ramps up quickly.
## Arthritis Flare-Up Timeline
Arthritis flare-ups take six to eight weeks to calm down, while soft tissue pain eases in days.
## Lifestyle Changes for Pain
Anti-inflammatories, rest, activity modification, bracing, and physical therapy help 80 to 90% of people return to normal function.
## Key takeaway

Dr. Johnston says mild joint pain with aging is normal and manageable with activity changes, not a sign of ending an active life.