Knee arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that can cause discomfort and can worsen over time. With treatment, it can be managed but not cured. While there are many possible reasons why arthritis could affect you, here are some of the top five causes.
Genetics
While having parents who had arthritis does not mean that you will definitely experience it yourself as you age, neither is the opposite true. You may develop knee arthritis from some other cause even if your parents had flexible, pain-free joints their entire lives. However, for some, genetics can be huge in their experience of the condition. Researchers have discovered that some genetic mutations as well as some bone shapes that are driven by one’s genetics seem to make certain people more likely to develop knee arthritis.
Age and Gender
Sadly, arthritis does respect your age and gender. It is most apt to occur in women’s knees rather than men’s, although the cause of this is unclear. More obviously, though, it becomes more of a problem the older that you get. This is because over time, the cartilage and protective cushioning in the knees gradually wears away and the body can no longer repair it.
Past Injuries
Injuries to the knees can set you up with a propensity for knee arthritis because the protective cushioning within the knees has been gradually broken down. The most concerning injuries are those that occur with repetitive movements over time.
Impact Sports
If your job is not causing you grief with your knees, your exercise or sports routine may be doing damage instead. Certain activities are at higher risk, and these could include marathon running as well as soccer, which require a lot of weight to be placed on the knees. In addition, certain squatting exercises when done to excess may also be problematic.
Current Weight
As more people than ever before are considered to be obese throughout the civilized world, there are growing concerns over increased cases of knee arthritis. Even a little extra weight can multiply the effects on the knees.
While osteoarthritis is nearly inevitable for all senior citizens at some point, it does not have to be widespread or painful when you take steps to care for your body now. We encourage you to talk to our experts at Olsen Orthopedics in Oklahoma City to learn how you can better care for your joints and lead a comfortable life. Contact us today to book an appointment.
