Risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA) include age, obesity, injury or repetitive usage, genetics and muscle weakness.
As people age, their chances of developing OA increase due to 'wear and tear' of life. However, not everyone gets OA as they age.
Obesity (or being overweight) can contribute to the development of OA. Being one pound overweight increases the pressure on a person's knees by four lbs and on his hips by six lbs. Researchers also suspect that being overweight releases chemicals from body fat which cause joint damage.
Injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears or fractures can contribute to OA. People who do repetitive motions may find themselves at increased risk of OA.
Genetics plays a role in the development of OA, especially if their hands are affected.
Weak muscles (esp. around the knee joint) contributes to development of OA, especially for women. Http://www.arthritis.org/who-gets-osteoarthritis.php
Maybe this is totally unrelated but does a person with osteopenia have a greater likelihood of getting osteoarthritis? Thanks for the informative posts. I like that they are short and to the point. Jo
ReplyDeleteHi Amy & Joanne
ReplyDeleteI did some research and did not find any cause-and effect relationship. Osteopenia (mild pre-osteoporosis) involves decreased calcium and bone minerals with weakened bone. Osteoarthritis involves the articular cartilage which wears out and causes pain and stiffness. Hope this helps answer your questions.