From the Guidelines
The primary risk factors for knee arthritis include advancing age, obesity, previous knee injuries, repetitive joint stress, genetics, and female gender, with the risk increasing significantly with age, especially in women 1.
Key Risk Factors
- Advancing age: joint cartilage naturally deteriorates over time, with most cases developing after age 45
- Obesity: excess weight places tremendous pressure on knee joints, with each pound of body weight creating 3-4 pounds of force on the knees during walking
- Previous knee injuries: such as ACL tears, meniscus damage, or fractures, which significantly increase arthritis risk by altering joint mechanics and causing premature cartilage wear
- Repetitive joint stress: occupations or activities requiring repetitive knee bending, kneeling, or heavy lifting contribute to joint stress over time
- Genetics: family history increases susceptibility to arthritis development
- Female gender: women, particularly after menopause, face higher risk due to hormonal changes affecting joint integrity
Additional Considerations
- Certain metabolic conditions like diabetes
- Anatomical abnormalities such as leg length discrepancies
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis According to the most recent study 1, the incidence of knee osteoarthritis in the United States is estimated at 240 persons per 100,000 per year, with the worldwide prevalence of radiographically confirmed symptomatic knee osteoarthritis estimated to be 3.8% overall, increasing with age to more than 10% in the population older than 60 years. Understanding these risk factors is crucial in identifying individuals who might benefit from preventive strategies like weight management, proper exercise techniques, and early intervention for knee injuries 1.
From the Research
Risk Factors for Knee Arthritis
- Joint injury, obesity, and impaired muscle function are modifiable risk factors for knee osteoarthritis, as stated in 2
- Lifestyle factors such as occupational factors, sports participation, muscle weakness, nutritional factors, and hormonal influence can also increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, according to 3
- Obesity is a significant risk factor, and weight loss can help reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis, as shown in 4 and 5
Prevention and Management
- Prevention and early comprehensive-care models are essential in managing knee osteoarthritis, as emphasized in 2
- Exercise, including strengthening and aerobic exercise, can help improve pain and strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis, as found in 6
- Patient education, physical exercise, and weight loss (for overweight or obese individuals) are key treatments for knee osteoarthritis, as stated in 5
- Surgical interventions, such as joint replacement, may be necessary for severely damaged joints, as mentioned in 3
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Joint injury can be prevented or managed through proper treatment and rehabilitation, as implied in 2
- Obesity can be managed through weight loss, which can help reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis, as shown in 4
- Impaired muscle function can be improved through exercise and physical therapy, as found in 6