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What Causes Osteoarthritis of the Knee?
Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when the natural cushioning between joints, known as cartilage, breaks down. The bones of the joint rub more closely against each other with less of the shock-absorbing benefits of the cartilage. This results in symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes, the formation of bone spurs. There are many causes of knee osteoarthritis, from increasing age to repetitive stress on the joint. Although you cannot avoid certain factors that contribute to the development of osteoarthritis of the knee, you may be able to lower your risk for the condition.
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of the knee affects approximately 46% of people at some point during their life, and it is more common in women than men. There are several known causes of knee osteoarthritis. Understanding the most common causes is crucial for both prevention and intervention.
Older Age
As you age, the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down, causing pain and inflammation. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the knee is one of the most commonly affected. Knee osteoarthritis usually starts to develop from the mid-to-late 40s onward, and your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older.
Genetics
The genes we inherit from our parents can increase the likelihood of developing knee osteoarthritis. This includes mutations of single genes that affect a protein called collagen, although this is very rare. When knee osteoarthritis is linked to genetic factors, it can also cause the condition to develop at an earlier age than usual.
Obesity
Being obese or carrying excess weight is a major risk factor and a common cause of osteoarthritis. Weight increases pressure on all the joints, especially the knees. Every pound of weight you gain adds 3 to 4 pounds of extra weight on your knees. Losing even a small amount of weight, through diet and exercise, can significantly decrease the pain and discomfort associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Prior Knee Injury
If you’ve suffered a major knee injury, such as a meniscal tear, bursitis, tendonitis, or fracture, or undergone an operation on your knee, it is possible to develop osteoarthritis later in life. Even though a knee injury may heal and seem to go away, it causes the joint to move differently and contributes to more wear and tear on the cartilage and bones.
Repetitive Stress on the Knee
Normal activity and exercise don’t cause osteoarthritis. However, repetitive activity or physically demanding jobs that require kneeling, squatting, or lifting heavy weights can increase your risk of developing the condition. This also pertains to athletes involved in sports such as soccer, tennis, and long-distance running because of the constant pressure on the knee joint.
Are you tired of knee pain holding you back? Take the first step towards getting back to an active life by requesting an appointment at American Knee Pain Centers today!
Who is at Risk for Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects approximately 30 million people in the United States, particularly in the knee. While age is a major risk factor for this condition, young people can get it too. For some, it may be hereditary. For others, knee osteoarthritis can result from injury, infection, or even from being overweight. The chances of getting osteoarthritis rise after age 45. You may be at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis if you:
- Are female
- Are overweight
- Have a family history of the condition
- Have had a prior knee injury or surgery
- Put repetitive stress on the knee joint
How to Prevent Knee Osteoarthritis
Most people will experience some form of osteoarthritis during their lifetime. The knee is a commonly affected area since it is a weight-bearing joint. If you’ve already been diagnosed with the condition, it’s important to seek medical treatment from a specialist. However, there are certain ways to slow the progress and manage symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, including:
- Regular, low-impact exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Wearing comfortable footwear
- Avoid injury to your joints
Our Knee Pain Specialists
Our affiliated knee pain specialists in New York and New Jersey are board-certified interventional radiologists committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. They use state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive techniques to deliver the best outcomes possible. If you’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and are experiencing debilitating symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our affiliated knee pain specialists today!
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Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.