Osteoarthritis affects both men and women, though men tend to develop it at an earlier age than women. Before the age of 45, more men than women have osteoarthritis, whereas after age 45, it is more common in women.

Physical stress may also affect the likelihood of osteoarthritis; especially those with active lifestyle (eg sportspeople) or strenuous jobs (eg labourers).

Joint injuries may lead to progressive deterioration of the cartilage and hence osteoarthritis. Sometimes, it may develop years later even after a single traumatic injury to or near a joint. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of injuries may help prevent development of osteoarthritis. The loss of estrogen after menopause also increases a woman’s risk of osteoarthritis.

Types of Osteoarthritis

There are 2 distinct types of osteoarthritis – primary and secondary.

Primary Osteoarthritis IAssociated with ageing and thought of as ‘wear and tear’ osteoarthritis. The older you are, the higher your risk factor. There is no apparent cause for this type of osteoarthritis.

Secondary Osteoarthritis This type of osteoarthritis is a result of another disease or condition such as acromegaly or joint injury.

Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis

While there is no single known cause of osteoarthritis, a combination of risk factors working together may likely cause osteoarthritis. The risk factors include :

 

  • Increasing age
  • Family history of osteoarthritis
  • Obesity
  • Joint injury
  • Repetitive stressful joint use or inactivity
  • Thigh muscle weakness
  • History of inflammatory joint disease
  • Metabolic or hormonal disorders
  • Bone and joint disorders present at birth
  • Deposits of crystal in joints

Knowing and controlling these risk factors can help you minimise your risk of developing osteoarthritis.

DID YOU KNOW?

Research shows that that people who are overweight as young adults are likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee as they age.