What Is the Risk of Developing Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain in adults, especially in middle-aged and older populations. But what is knee osteoarthritis, how does it develop, and who is at risk of this "wear and tear" condition? According to Dr. Matthew Kohler at Ospina Medical, the top osteoarthritis risk factors include age, repetitive stress, trauma to the knee joint, obesity, and genetic predisposition.

Below, our team explores these factors in detail. If you want to know how to improve mobility and reduce knee pain, call to book an appointment in New York City, NY. We can discuss innovative treatment options like knee joint injections, which can improve your quality of life.

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Before discussing osteoarthritis risk factors, it's important to define a few key terms. So, what is knee osteoarthritis? It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the knee joint begins to break down. As a result, the bones start to rub against each other.

Over time, people with osteoarthritis experience symptoms such as knee pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It becomes increasingly difficult to participate in daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and even getting out of a chair.

Top osteoarthritis risk factors

Understanding your risk is the first step in protecting yourself against knee osteoarthritis in New York City, NY. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Age: As we age, our bodies naturally produce less cartilage, making us more susceptible to joint damage. Osteoarthritis is most common in people over 50, but it can develop at almost any age.
• Repetitive stress: Some activities involve repetitive motions or putting pressure on the knee joint, which accelerates wear and tear. Examples include prolonged kneeling or squatting. Athletes in high-impact sports are also at risk.
• Trauma: A previous knee injury, such as a torn ligament or fracture, can increase the chances of developing osteoarthritis later in life.
• Obesity: Excess weight adds stress to the knee joint, causing more wear on the cartilage. This can lead to earlier onset and progression of osteoarthritis.
• Genetic predisposition: Studies have shown that genetics may play a role in the development of osteoarthritis. People with family members who have the condition are more likely to develop it themselves.

Why early action matters

Dr. Kohler emphasizes that early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing knee osteoarthritis effectively. This is because, when left untreated, the condition can worsen and lead to complications that may require surgery and prolonged recovery.

At Ospina Medical, we excel in providing tailored treatments that cater to specific needs. For example, if you want to know how to improve mobility and reduce knee pain, steroid knee joint injections can provide much-needed relief. During a consultation, Dr. Kohler can discuss the advantages and risks associated with our treatments to help you make an informed decision.

Learn how to improve mobility and reduce knee pain

If you're already experiencing symptoms or concerned about your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, taking action now is vital to protecting your joint health.

Don't wait until knee pain or stiffness interfere with your daily life. Schedule a visit with Dr. Matthew Kohler at Ospina Medical in New York City, NY. Explore options like knee joint injections to help improve your quality of life and keep you moving comfortably. Let us help you take control of your joint health today.