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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.

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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.

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Take the first step toward a pain-free life!

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, request an appointment with one of our affiliated knee pain specialists today!

Our Knee Pain Centers in NY and NJ

At American Knee Pain Centers, our outpatient offices are equipped with individual treatment rooms, cutting-edge operating rooms, and an onsite recovery area for your safety and convenience. Visit your nearest American Knee Pain Center in New York and New Jersey to get the care you need for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
Queens, NY 11102
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Harlem, NY
505 East 116th Street Suite 400
Harlem, NY 10029
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Brooklyn, NY
71 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
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West Orange, NJ
347 Mount Pleasant Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Sheer perfection. The care and expertise and teamwork are the best I have ever experienced. I’m a former nurse and I recognize and give a shout out to the best!!!!
Barbara Murray
Barbara Murray
16:22 02 May 24
First Impressions are lasting impressions! First, the staff are phenomenal! How is it possible that each and every one of them are incredibly kind, caring, professional, personable and treat you like you are THE most important person in the world!? Well, meet this team for an experience that will make you feel valued as a person, not just as a patient. In walks this amazing Doctor and now you understand why his team are the way they are! They regard each other with the utmost respect, and kindness, and they communicate with each other like family. And as a new patient, I had the honor and pleasure to experience excellence in patient care and concern. I am so very grateful to have found a Doctor who is in my opinion perfect with a team who are exceptional! I’m excited for my next visit, honestly! I write this with a great big Smile on my face!
CC
CC
14:57 24 Apr 24
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT ALL AROUND!!! THANK YOU!!!
Marion Moore
Marion Moore
13:44 17 Apr 24
Excellent, professional, organized and efficient all best describes the service here.
Delsi Cunningham
Delsi Cunningham
17:28 05 Apr 24
Very nice and friendly staff.I was so nervous, they all made me feel relaxed and comfortable.They explained everything to me step by step.
Keith Dickens
Keith Dickens
13:10 02 Apr 24
Excelente servicio es lo mejor que me a pasado gracias a sus buenos tratamiento ya no tengo dolor
The staff are the best. Very elated,with the exceptional care,professionalism, and genuine concern, displayed by all the staff.
Constance Sidberry
Constance Sidberry
03:50 17 Mar 24
I felt very comfortable with him. Excellent bedside manner, proper teaching , and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
Jamel Jackson
Jamel Jackson
14:07 27 Feb 24
Yes it was a good place
Carmen Diaz
Carmen Diaz
14:22 20 Feb 24
The absolute BEST Dr!! Detailed, caring & kind! The best medical procedure I’ve ever had from consultation to post procedure, perfect! 10s all around 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 many thank yous🙏🏾
Josi W
Josi W
22:04 12 Jan 24
Is good to be with friendly and professional staff at doctor’s offices like this one.
Dr. Joseph Sham and the entire Team were very professional, knowledgeable, informative and had incredible patience with me by answering all my questions and concerns. Great Team…Thank you all! 👍
Marion
Marion
22:17 27 Dec 23
I was treated very well. The staff was very professional and made me feel comfortable. Looking forward to my next visit.
Stephen Lapinsky
Stephen Lapinsky
20:17 20 Dec 23
This experience was great I’m so happy with everything
stephanie suazo
stephanie suazo
22:53 13 Dec 23
Love this Dr and staff. They are all kind courteous and professional with excellent medical care. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need.
Sybil Wilkins
Sybil Wilkins
21:58 28 Nov 23
I love this place stuff is helpful an they all were nice. I had a wonderful experience Dr Shams was great.
Victoria Pacheco
Victoria Pacheco
22:07 17 Nov 23
Professional services
Ricky Mo
Ricky Mo
22:14 15 Nov 23
I like the doctor they were kind of pretty thorough he says that he could help me he found out the filter in my abdomen from the surgery I had in 1996 has been clogging my blood flow for 25 years and that’s causing the swelling at every other doctor told me was lymphedema it was not lymphedema it caused the lymphedema because no other doctor took the time or care enough to find out the reason for my leg swelling this doctor was the only one who finally found out and he’s going to see if you could put a stent inside the filter to open it up and and stop my legs from swelling hopefully this will all go good it hasn’t happened yet but I’ll keep you posted thankful for this docto I just pray and hope that it works otherwise I like the doctor very much
Mitchell Dedios
Mitchell Dedios
21:01 27 Oct 23
Excellent service , good customer service and friendly staff. Thanks
Raysa Polanco
Raysa Polanco
20:54 27 Oct 23
You may likely have to wait. Avoid anxiety and frustration. Schedule extra time for the visit. Allow for personal attention to your care needs once in the examination room. Friendly, nice staff and doctor puts you at ease. Bottom line: worth the wait!
Sisle
Sisle
21:49 26 Oct 23
Excellent service and staff i’ll let you feel relaxing and comfortable
kadine campbell
kadine campbell
21:01 23 Oct 23
I was given good advice about my blood circulation
Gary Jackson
Gary Jackson
17:04 08 Oct 23
Dr. Shams office is amazing. Whitney and Angela were AMAZING. Great sense of humor. Staff is WONDERFUL.
Sara Correa
Sara Correa
21:13 18 Sep 23
Nice office, personnel friendly, & caring, good informative information concerning my care.
Loretta Johnson
Loretta Johnson
21:26 22 Aug 23
Really like this doctor, talks in your language, just over all regular nice person.
Linda Thoomey
Linda Thoomey
22:03 21 Jul 23
I’m very satisfied of my visit for the first time, everyone was concerned about me, and Dr David was very patient to listen to my long health stories, after that He gave me good explanation for my problem, that was great 👍
Claude Jean Pierre
Claude Jean Pierre
22:38 18 Jul 23
Follow up to a procedure. Dr Mobley and his staff are great and always helpful
DanLiza Diehl
DanLiza Diehl
21:25 10 Jul 23
David monkey,MD and the grupo are excellent very kind and helpful.i will return to them.the attention.its very satisfied.thank u ..
Luis Sarria
Luis Sarria
12:16 29 Jun 23
I had a good experience with my procedure and Dr. Mobley’s follow-up calls are great. I’ve never had a doctor who has been so concerned about following up after a procedure to see how I’m doing and if there are any post-procedure problems I may have experienced (which there aren’t). I’d highly recommend Dr. Mobley.
Hey Beej
Hey Beej
16:42 23 Jun 23
Dr Mobley was so helpful, informative and made me feel secure in making my future medical plan. Supportive and kind. Highly recommended.
Amanda L Browder
Amanda L Browder
15:57 23 Jun 23
Doctor was very thorough. Explaining what the procedure is all about. Tell me what I could realistically expect. Couldn’t have asked for a better consultation. Highly recommended if you have a prostate issue
John Buric
John Buric
16:26 15 Jun 23
I was very pleased and satisfied on how Dr. David Mobley examined me and explained everything on what I need to know regarding my condition. He’s very professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of his profession. I would highly recommend him to my other friends!
Celine Parcon
Celine Parcon
23:16 07 Jun 23
Dr Shams was very attentive and explained everything in detail. The staff was very nice, the staff/nurse were all so very helpful, It was a Monday morning and I didn’t expect such happy staff.
Stacy Lebeau
Stacy Lebeau
21:22 06 Jun 23
He puts his patients before himself, returning calls and e-mails quickly. Not only is he kind and considerate, he is an excellent physician. I had to have a procedure that requires me to be awake, and he talked me through it and kept me at ease. If I could give him more stars, I would.
Super friendly, tentative, once in the procedure rm the sx staff made you feel comfortable, easy,+ answered all questions. David mobley, MD answered all my questions, very informative, caring. I felt confident in his care
Thais Bini
Thais Bini
21:22 30 May 23
Great doctor. Everyone is so kind and caring. Great place to go
Joan Jurica
Joan Jurica
14:46 30 May 23
Good service!
Veronika Shopina
Veronika Shopina
21:09 24 May 23
There is a friendly atmosphere, fast medical attention and an advanced medical equipment !!!The Staff is very knowledgeable and the best care possibly !!!100 % Satisfied !!!
Cruz Figueroa
Cruz Figueroa
03:06 08 May 23
Whole staff was very friendly and professional. I feel confident that I came to the right place for treatment.
Rudy Padilla
Rudy Padilla
02:08 13 Apr 23
The best in Astoria I recommend Dr mobley and staff 100 percent
michaela1951
michaela1951
21:25 30 Mar 23
Knowledgeable , experienced, great bed side manners
mohamed hamed
mohamed hamed
10:09 30 Mar 23
I am pleased w/my experience @ endovascular. I hope they can save my foot.
Margo A Williams
Margo A Williams
19:19 29 Mar 23
This has been the best medical experience I’ve had in over thirty years. I was nervous to have a procedure after only knowing about my condition a year ago. They made this process so easy for me that I’m in shock that I had no pain, no discomfort thanks to an excellent doctor and professional staff! Thank you all and best of luck to your practice.
Stacey Marius
Stacey Marius
14:16 29 Mar 23
The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained the tests that I need and why I need them.
Judith AndersonNeal
Judith AndersonNeal
22:12 27 Mar 23
This was the best experience I have had in such a long time and I have had quite a few procedures in the past both in patient and out including the procedure I was currently present for. No other surgeon has been so kind, transparent, and gentle. Not only did he personally come out beforehand to provide me with education on my procedure, but he talked me through every step of the way and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention his amazing staff! Despite being extremely nervous they kept me smiling and laughing throughout the whole process. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you so much guys!!
Riah L.
Riah L.
13:49 22 Mar 23
Excellent bedside manners and the procedure was a breeze.
sen-pei hsia
sen-pei hsia
18:26 20 Mar 23
Los mejores/ the best💖🙏
Ruthy Ochoa
Ruthy Ochoa
04:17 03 Mar 23
Excellent, Patience, don’t Rush you to be finished. The Doctor explains everything and answers your questions. I would Recommend Dr.Sham service anytime, they are. Great!
Debra Farmer
Debra Farmer
00:16 01 Mar 23
I went with my mom who just had a hip surgery. The whole team was very caring, nice and very professional. I did appreciate that the surgeon took the time to explain to me what was wrong with my mom’s arm and what he did to fix it.
mouna khalyat
mouna khalyat
14:37 24 Feb 23
Very good and very responsive.
James Young
James Young
19:33 22 Feb 23
Although I didn’t meet with the doctor, the receptionist, assistant and nurse were great.
Theresa Gaines
Theresa Gaines
13:25 13 Feb 23
Every thing and the process are being done properly ..Terissa you are very Carey ..thank you so much every body are very polite and very professional.. Thank you so much to Dr.Mobley..God blessed you all .🙏🙏🙏👍
Remigio Ruda
Remigio Ruda
03:28 31 Jan 23
Very knowledgeable, personable and professional. I came to Dr. Mobley to correct another surgeons work and I was pleased with the outcome. There is a Hispanic woman that runs things in the O.R.She is great! The whole staff is wonderful and caring.Highly recommend
Lakesha Kingdom
Lakesha Kingdom
15:57 17 Jan 23
I had a wonderful PA take care of me, & the nurses were very sweet. I was happy with my visit
Aurora Anello
Aurora Anello
19:20 10 Jan 23
Everything always goes well.staff are very caring.
Lillian Rodriguez
Lillian Rodriguez
19:00 11 Dec 22
Excellent Doctor he explains the procedure process so that it is understandable and comfortable for the patient!
T. J.
T. J.
14:48 06 Dec 21
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Take the first step toward a pain-free life!

Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Request an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.