Arthritis of the Knee – What Causes Arthritis of the Knee?

It is not always clear what causes arthritis of the knee. While arthritis of the knee is common among people who are elderly or middle aged, arthritis of the knee can also occur in younger people. There are many suspected causes of arthritis of the knee and most people who develop the condition do so because of several factors. The condition is extremely painful for some people and barely noticed by others. Some believe that the cause of arthritis of the knee decides how painful it will be for the person who has it.

Age and weight are two of the most suspected causes of arthritis of the knee. As a person ages, the cartilage in the knee becomes more brittle. This makes it more susceptible to tearing or simply wearing out, leading to arthritis of the knee. The older a person is the more likely they are to have arthritis of the knee. Being overweight puts extra stress on the knee joint. Quite simply, the more weight the joint has to deal with the faster it will wear out, which causes arthritis of the knee. People who deal with arthritis of the knee often see an improvement if they lose even a few pounds.

Genetics can also play a role in the development of arthritis of the knee. Some people seem to be more prone to the disease than others and may development it earlier in life. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid, can actually begin in childhood and may become so severe that someone is unable to walk. While there is not much that anyone can do about genetics, being careful of weight and eating healthy will help to delay any development of arthritis of the knee. Certain illnesses can also contribute to arthritis of the knee, such as gout or being prone to joint infections, especially if these are inherited traits.

Another cause of arthritis of the knee is work and sports. Certain jobs require people to be on their feet for long periods or require a great deal of bending at the knees or lifting heavy objects. This can cause arthritis of the knee as it damages the joint, sometimes severely. Certain sports may contribute to the development of the disease, especially if there are injuries to the knees, but the benefits of playing sports far outweighs the risks of developing arthritis of the knee.