Causes of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Knee Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

Nearly 50% of people develop knee osteoarthritis at some point in their lives. This common condition affects people of all ages but becomes more prevalent in older adults.

The majority of sufferers develop knee osteoarthritis after the age of 40. This age-related increase is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including long-term wear and tear and age-related changes in the bones and cartilage.

Women tend to suffer from knee osteoarthritis more than men. The exact reason for this gender difference is unknown, but it may be due to differences in anatomy, hormonal factors, or lifestyle factors.

Several additional factors contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis, including:

• Misaligned knee joints: People with knock knees, bowed legs, or otherwise misaligned knee joints are at an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. These conditions can strain the knee joint excessively, leading to cartilage damage and pain.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): A higher body mass index (BMI) is also associated with an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. Obesity places additional stress on the knee joint, causing wear and tear and exacerbating existing cartilage damage. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
• Family history: People with a family history of knee osteoarthritis are likelier to develop the condition. Understanding your family history of knee osteoarthritis can help you take preventive measures early on.

Not everyone will develop knee osteoarthritis. Some people may be naturally more resistant to the condition or have other protective factors that reduce their risk. 

Knee Osteoarthritis Prevention

While knee osteoarthritis is not necessarily preventable in all cases, there are several measures you can take to lower your risk of developing this condition.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing osteoarthritis in the knee. Excess weight puts additional pressure on your knees, increasing wear and tear over time. By staying at a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise, you can lower the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Poor sleep quality has been linked to an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Practicing good sleep hygiene habits is essential to ensure you get enough restful sleep each night. 

Perform Strength Training

Strength training exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support your knees, reducing strain on joints. Incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts into your routine can help stabilize the knee joint and improve overall function. Aim for at least two to three weekly strength training sessions to maintain optimal muscle strength.

Emphasize Low-impact Cardiovascular Exercise

Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise is vital for overall health, but it can also benefit your knees. While high-impact activities like running or jumping may not be suitable for everyone with osteoarthritis, low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical trainer can be an excellent alternative. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly to maintain cardiovascular health.

Georgia Knee Institute: Providing Effective Relief from Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Georgia Knee Institute is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to treating knee osteoarthritis. Our team of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals provides effective and minimally invasive treatment options, like a GAE knee procedure, to alleviate the pain and restore function to patients suffering from this condition.

If you are experiencing knee pain or suspect you may have knee osteoarthritis, contact the Georgia Knee Institute today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our knee replacement alternative in Atlanta.