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If you experience joint pain and are concerned about osteoarthritis, there is important risk information you should know. A number of factors, including your age, gender and athletic history can increase your risk. These factors include:
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| Age |
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Apart from injury or unusual stress to the affected
joint(s), most people develop osteoarthritis after age 45 and it is more common in people over age 65. |
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| Obesity |
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For every pound gained, 3 extra pounds of pressure is put on weight bearing joints such as your knees. Since the knees support the weight of your body, being overweight increases your risk of osteoarthritis. |
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| Gender |
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Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally except after age 55, when it becomes more prevalent in women. |
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| Heredity |
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Studies have shown that genes responsible for making and maintaining cartilage may be linked with osteoarthritis. |
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| Injury or Overuse |
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People who have had a previous joint injury are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than those who have never had an injury. |
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| Muscle Weakness |
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Weak thigh muscles have been shown to increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. |
If you have any of these osteoarthritis risk factors, talk to your doctor.
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