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If your knees hurt, you’re not alone. About half of people over age 50 experience some kind of knee pain.

But it’s more than just an achy knee; your mind is affected, too. In fact, researchers have found a connection between chronic knee pain and depression. According to a 2014 analysis of 16 studies published in a medical journal, “depression plays a significant role in knee pain.”

A study is underway now at the University of Maryland to see if an FDA-approved drug, Cymbalta, could be a cure for both ailments.

“Those who have knee osteoarthritis often experience great pain, and that pain can influence their mood. The main goal of this study is to help patients by treating both knee pain and mood problems by using a combination of exercise and medication,” Dr. Alan Rathbun, principal investigator, said in an email.

You’re eligible for the 24-week clinical trial if you’re over age 40, have knee osteoarthritis, and are experiencing symptoms of depression. Participants will complete a total of 11 visits to the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore.

“In addition, we hope participants will attend as many as three supervised exercise training sessions per week during the six months of the study. These can be flexibly scheduled based upon the participant’s availability,” Rathbun said.

The one-on-one exercise training sessions take place in the VA Annex building, also located in downtown Baltimore. The exercises are tailored to each person’s ability.

Participants will be encouraged to walk for up to 50 minutes, three times a week, challenging themselves a bit more each training session.

Gift cards, free parking, free Cymbalta, and free one-on-one supervised exercise training are part of the compensation package.

But most of all, Rathbun pointed out, participants will be helping future generations — and maybe even themselves.

“Participants will be contributing to scientific knowledge and helping patients with knee osteoarthritis live happy and healthier lives,” he said.

“They may benefit from a decrease in arthritis knee pain and experience improvements in mood. Participants may also learn long-term strategies to decrease their knee pain, improve their emotional health, and increase their daily physical activity levels.”

For more information, call (443) 226-0349 or email DEKODE@som.umaryland.edu and mention the “DEKODE” study.