Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects many people, especially as they get older. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and trouble moving around.
This happens when the cartilage—the soft tissue that cushions the ends of bones—slowly wears away. When the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub against each other, which leads to pain and swelling.
One of the main reasons people get osteoarthritis is aging. As we grow older, the cartilage in our joints naturally starts to wear down. That’s why older adults are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. But aging alone isn’t the only cause. Some older people never get it, so other factors must also be involved.
Another common cause is joint injury. If you hurt your joint—for example, by tearing a ligament in your knee—it can damage the cartilage. Even after the injury heals, the joint might not work as well, and the damage can build up over time. That’s why it’s important to treat injuries properly and give your joints enough time to heal.
Doing the same movements over and over again can also stress your joints. Jobs or sports that involve repeated motion or heavy lifting can speed up cartilage wear.
Athletes, dancers, or people with physical jobs may be more likely to get osteoarthritis in certain joints. Taking breaks, using proper form, and wearing the right gear can help protect your joints from too much stress.
Being overweight is another big risk. Extra weight puts more pressure on joints, especially the knees and hips. This can make the cartilage wear out faster. Research shows that losing weight can reduce pain and slow down osteoarthritis. Staying at a healthy weight through good food and regular exercise helps keep your joints strong.
Your family history can also affect your chances of getting osteoarthritis. If your parents or grandparents had it, you might be more likely to get it too. Some people inherit joint shapes or weaknesses that make their cartilage break down more easily.
While you can’t change your genes, knowing your family history can help you watch for early signs and take care of your joints sooner.
Some people have joints that don’t line up quite right. This is called joint misalignment. If your bones don’t fit together well, one part of the cartilage may get more pressure than the rest, causing it to wear down faster.
Conditions like bow legs or knock knees can raise the risk of osteoarthritis. Sometimes braces or surgery can help fix the alignment and protect the joints.
Inflammation from other diseases can also lead to osteoarthritis. For example, rheumatoid arthritis causes long-term swelling in the joints, which can damage the cartilage. Treating inflammation with medicine and healthy habits can protect your joints and prevent more problems.
Not moving enough can also lead to joint trouble. Regular exercise helps keep your joints flexible and strengthens the muscles around them. This gives the joints better support and helps reduce pain.
People who don’t get enough physical activity may have weaker muscles and stiffer joints, which can make osteoarthritis worse. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, and biking can help keep joints healthy.
Scientists have found strong proof for these causes. One study in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology showed that being overweight greatly increases the chance of getting knee osteoarthritis.
Another study in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage explained how joint injuries can raise the risk of this condition, showing how important it is to prevent injuries and treat them correctly.
Understanding what causes osteoarthritis helps us take better care of our joints. Staying at a healthy weight, staying active, treating injuries early, and avoiding too much joint stress can all help.
Regular doctor visits and knowing your family history are also important for catching the problem early. By taking these steps, we can lower our chances of getting osteoarthritis and enjoy a better quality of life.
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