Explore the key causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis, including risk factors like age, gender, genetics, obesity, joint injuries, and lifestyle influences. Learn how joint misalignment and muscle strength impact disease progression, along with typical symptoms that affect mobility and quality of life. Preventative tips highlight the importance of exercise and injury management for maintaining joint health.

An In-Depth Look at Osteoarthritis: Causes and Symptoms

Factors Influencing Osteoarthritis Development

The risk of developing osteoarthritis is shaped by a combination of factors, which fall into three categories: local modifiable, systemic modifiable, and non-modifiable inherited factors.

Local modifiable factors include muscle strength, activity levels, previous joint trauma, joint alignment, and leg length differences.

Systemic factors relate to overall health influences such as body weight and nutrition.

Non-modifiable factors involve age, gender, genetics, and ethnicity, which cannot be changed but influence susceptibility to osteoarthritis.

1) Age

The likelihood of osteoarthritis increases with age due to cumulative joint wear and reduced tissue regeneration, especially after age 60, with women being more affected because of hormonal influences.

2) Gender

Women are more prone to OA, particularly in the hands, knees, and feet. Hormonal changes after menopause can also influence severity. Differences in bone density and joint structure contribute to this susceptibility.

3) Genetic predisposition

Genetics significantly impact OA risk, with over half of hip, knee, and hand cases linked to inherited traits. Specific genetic markers on chromosomes 2q, 11q, and 7q22 have been associated with different OA forms. Youths often develop OA following joint injuries.

4) Overweight and obesity

Extra body weight greatly elevates OA risk, especially in weight-bearing joints like knees and hips. A BMI increase of 5 units can raise knee OA risk by 35%, while losing 5 kg can cut the risk by half. Obesity’s impact on systemic metabolism also links it to hand OA.

5) Nutritional factors

Deficiencies in vitamins D, C, and K can negatively affect joint health. Adequate levels of antioxidants support cartilage health and may slow OA progression. The role of vitamin D is still under study, but proper nutrition is beneficial.

6) Physical activity and occupational hazards

Repetitive joint use, certain occupational activities like kneeling or lifting, and high-impact sports increase OA risk. Proper ergonomics and activity moderation are essential for prevention.

7) Joint injuries

Trauma to joints, especially the knees, such as ACL tears or meniscal injuries, significantly raises OA risk. Damage leads to cartilage deterioration and inflammation, with OA developing within a decade post-injury. Prevention and treatment of injuries are vital.

8) Muscle conditioning

Strong muscles around joints provide support and shock absorption. Weakness can accelerate OA development. Exercises to build muscle strength are crucial for prevention and management.

9) Joint misalignment

Improper joint alignment causes uneven load distribution, hastening cartilage degeneration. Correcting malalignment, especially in the knees, helps maintain joint health and slows OA progression.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

OA progresses gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. Key indicators include:

Pain during or after movement

Persistent aching sensation

Tenderness upon touch

Stiffness following inactivity

Restricted joint movement

Grinding or cracking sounds during motion

Development of bone spurs or protrusions

Swelling around affected joints

The symptom profile varies depending on the joint involved. Hip OA presents as groin and buttock pain, while knee OA causes a scraping sensation. Hand OA involves swelling and bony growths, and foot OA affects the big toe and ankle. These symptoms can impair mobility, increasing fall and fracture risks.