Risk Factors For Osteoarthritis In The Knee

A recent study has shown that almost half of Americans will develop osteoarthritis in the knee, leading to knee replacement surgery to relieve pain.  That’s a staggering number, and reading it made me want to understand the risk factors.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and is a degenerative condition where the the cartilage in the joint wears away over time.  This degradation leads to the formation of defects (crystal structure, bone spurs, etc.) in the joint, causing pain.  It can occur in any joint, but is most common in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.  Weight bearing joints seem to bear the brunt of this disease, and there is no known cure.  Aging is thought to be the greatest risk factor.  Great.

Looking at other risk factors, obesity seems to be the second leading risk factor for developing osteoarthritis.  According to the study cited above, 65% of obese patients developed osteoarthritis in the knee.  That number dropped to 44% for patients who were categorized as overweight, and only 35% for patients who were considered to be within their normal weight range.

There are some who have suggested that runners are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, but recent studies have debunked that notion.  However, there does appear to be a link between sports where participants are likely to experience trauma.  Lifelong soccer players are an example of a group who is at higher risk.

From my reading, it sounds as if the best way to reduce your risk of developing this disease is to control your weight.  Maintaining a healthy body weight requires, at least for most of us, regular exercise.  Since activities that put the joints at risk for injury may increase risk factors, it stands to reason that varying your exercise routine should minimize that risk over time.

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