Osteoarthritis Causes

Osteoarthritis was long believed to be caused by the “wear and tear” of joints over time. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the development of OA:

• Aging: The single most common cause of osteoarthritis is aging, as use of the joint over many years is likely to lead to breakdown of cartilage.

• Family history: Genetics can play a role in bone abnormalities that result in distorted shape and problems with joint alignment. This is apparent in cases of bowed legs or double-jointed abilities, both of which are more likely to lead to development of osteoarthritis.

• Obesity or excess weight. Weight-bearing joints are at risk for osteoarthritis in people who are significantly overweight. Because weight gain gradually increases stress on the joints, the onset of osteoarthritis symptoms may take many years to develop.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the causes leading to the osteoarthritis

• Trauma: Trauma includes ligamentous injuries, surgery, fracture, dislocations etc.

• Repetitive Injuries or Cumulative Traumas

Jobs that involve repetitive movements in a particular joint make OA more likely.

• Diseases

Some diseases and conditions that increase the chance of developing OA are:

• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Paget’s disease of the bone
• Septic arthritis
• Poor alignment of the knee, hip, and ankle or limb-length inequality

• Diet: Diet may play a role. Research suggests that people with a lower level of vitamin D intake have a higher risk of OA, while in those with a low vitamin C intake, the disease may progress more rapidly.

• Joint abnormalities: If you were born with abnormalities or developed them in childhood, it can lead to earlier and more severe osteoarthritis than usual. Perthes’ disease of the hips is an example.