Four Common Causes of Osteoarthritis

by Chatter DC News

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that acts as a buffer between joints. Cartilage does not grow back after an injury so the symptoms can be managed but the damage cannot be reversed. There are several natural reasons this happens and they can mostly be beyond our control, but a few lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of it happening.

The factors that can cause osteoarthritis include age, genetics, gender, injuries, work strain, weight and bleeding. There are various ways that it can be treated. At Kneecare Clinic facilities, the following bone on bone knee pain treatment options can be prescribed: injections, knee bracing, physical therapy and healthy lifestyle choices. They aim to improve their patients’ quality of life by assisting them in improving mobility, functionality, and achieving their health goals while avoiding or delaying knee surgery. If all other medical treatments prove ineffective, surgery may be required in extreme cases.

Age and Gender

Osteoarthritis typically occurs in people over the age of fifty-five. Post-menopausal women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men in the same age group. This is linked to the decreased estrogen experienced in their systems after menopause.

Symptoms can even affect younger adults but this is more likely as a direct effect of trauma or injury to the area affected.

Genetic Causes

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is strongly reliant on a medical examination and family medical history records. If older members of your family have osteoarthritis, you are more at risk for developing the condition as you age.

Congenital abnormalities or bone deformities are other genetic causes of osteoarthritis. It is common when there are malformed joints or defective cartilage.

Injuries and Job-related Wear and Tear

Sports-related injuries like torn cartilage, dislocated joints and ligament injuries leave the person with a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis either immediately or as they age.

The cartilage in joints might wear down prematurely if they are subjected to repeated strain and this is why it is often referred to as the “wear and tear” disease. Certain jobs or hobbies affect the joints that are used extensively and cause occupation-related osteoarthritis. Most commonly affected are hands, knees and hips from physical labor, squatting and lifting, kneeling, and even climbing stairs.

Obesity and Medical Conditions

Being overweight increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis as you are then overloading the weight-bearing mechanisms in the body (the joints). Commonly affected areas are the knees, hips and back.

Diabetes and high cholesterol sufferers also have an increased risk of osteoarthritis as these conditions add to the inflammatory response within the body.

Other medical conditions such as hemophilia can worsen osteoarthritis or cause it to develop. If you have other types of arthritis, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, you’re more likely to get it.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are extensive and can be extremely painful. Swollen stiff joints, clicking or grinding noises in the joints and joints that seem to lock or stick are common symptoms experienced. These symptoms can flare up after vigorous activity and the pain may be worse in the mornings or after long periods of inactivity. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to gather your family medical history and seek advice from professionals.

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