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Who’s at Risk for Osteoarthritis

Posted: June 1, 2006

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but some factors do increase the risk. Osteoarthritis in all its various forms appears to have a strong genetic connection. Gene mutations may be a factor in predisposing individuals to develop the disease.

Besides the genetic connection, there are other risk factors as well. These include:

Obesity. Generally, the more weight a person carries, the greater the pressure on weight-bearing joints of the body.

Aging. As people age, cartilage normally is less able to repair itself.

Nutrition. Calcium and vitamins C and D are needed to build strong bones. Investigators are researching whether an insufficiency of these vitamins may contribute to developing osteoarthritis in later life.

Other diseases and hereditary conditions that affect bones and connective tissues. Among the conditions are Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, bone dysplasias and Charcot joints.

Injury or deformity in a joint. There is an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in a joint that is not properly aligned or one that has been injured.

Occupational factors. Repetitive tasks, overworking the joints and overtiring muscles that protect a joint increase the risk for osteoarthritis in that joint.

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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