What causes knee osteoarthritis?
Many factors increase your risk for developing osteoarthritis.
Age. The ability of cartilage to heal itself decreases as we age. Osteoarthritis typically affects people middle-aged and older.
Heredity
Certain genes have been linked to osteoarthritis. Inherited traits, such as being bowlegged, knock-kneed, or double jointed, can also put you at greater risk for the disease.
Weight
The more you weigh, the more stress you put on your joints.
Injury. Previous joint injury, such as a sports injury, can lead to osteoarthritis later in life.
Overuse
People in occupations that involve repeated kneeling or squatting, or heavy lifting and walking, are vulnerable to repetitive stress injuries in the joints. This makes them more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Other Illnesses
If you have had other problems with your joints, such as gout, infection, or Lyme’s disease, your risk for osteoarthritis increases.