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Osteoarthritis used to be thought of as a normal part of aging. True, some “wear and tear” happens to everyone. But you can control some major risk factors.
Although osteoarthritis is widespread, its causes are not well known. But it does tend to run in families.
Several factors can raise your risk for osteoarthritis. Problems that can increase your risk include:
- Joint conditions, like joints not being lined up properly. Being “double-jointed” can also increase your risk.
- Spine conditions, like scoliosis, which is also known as curvature of the spine.
Other factors are linked to your lifestyle and activities in your life. To some degree, you can control these risks, like:
- Being overweight. This is a very strong risk factor for the knees and hips, the weight-bearing joints. Every pound of weight you gain feels like three pounds to your knees (and six pounds to your hips) with each step. Over time, the added strain wears down the cartilage that protects your joints. Staying at a normal weight is one of the best things you can do for your joints.
- Severe injury. Serious joint injuries can damage cartilage enough to cause osteoarthritis later in life.
- Injury/overuse of joints in sports. The repeated strain of some sports and activities can lead to osteoarthritis. Baseball pitchers, for example, often get shoulder osteoarthritis. Gardeners are prone to knee arthritis from constant bending.
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