Key Takeaways
- Osteoarthritis (OA) happens when cartilage and other tissues in a joint break down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.
- Age, joint injury, repetitive stress, excess weight, genetics, and sex all affect a person's risk.
- OA is not simply an aging problem. Some people never develop it, and younger people can, especially after a joint injury.
- Some joints, such as the knees, hands, and hips, are affected more often than others.
- Denver Arthritis Clinic has rheumatologists in Lowry and Lone Tree who diagnose and treat osteoarthritis, and patients can ask their primary care physician for a referral for an evaluation.
How Joint Cartilage Breaks Down Over Time
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation reports that it affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
For years, OA was called a 'wear and tear' condition. Experts now see it as a disease of the whole joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat, and the joint lining. As cartilage wears down and bone changes shape, patients can feel pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons adds that OA usually develops slowly and the pain tends to get worse over time. In the knee, for example, OrthoInfo from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that frayed, rough cartilage can leave less protective space between bones and may lead to painful bone spurs.
Age, Genetics, and Joint Injury as Contributing Factors
No single cause explains every case of OA. The Arthritis Foundation lists several factors that can raise risk.
Age and Sex
The risk of OA grows with age, and symptoms often show up after age 50. Women are more likely than men to develop OA.
Genetics
People with family members who have OA are more likely to develop it. Family history does not guarantee OA, but it is worth sharing with a doctor.
Joint Injury
A broken bone, torn ligament, or cartilage tear can lead to OA, sometimes faster than when there is no clear injury. The Arthritis Foundation notes that OA can develop within a few years after an injury such as a torn ACL or meniscus.
The Role of Weight and Repetitive Stress
Extra body weight adds pressure to weight-bearing joints, and fat cells also promote inflammation. The Arthritis Foundation says every pound of weight lost removes four pounds of pressure from lower-body joints.
Repeated use of the same joints at work or in sports can also play a part. Other contributors include weak muscles around a joint and bone or joint alignment problems.
| Risk Factor | Why It Matters | Can It Be Changed? |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Risk rises over time | No |
| Sex | Women are more likely to develop OA | No |
| Genetics | Family history raises risk | No |
| Joint injury | Fractures and tears can lead to OA | Partly, through injury care and prevention |
| Excess weight | Adds stress and inflammation | Yes |
| Repetitive stress | Overuse of the same joints | Partly |
| Muscle weakness | Poor support can affect alignment | Yes, with guided exercise |
Why Some Joints Are More Commonly Affected Than Others
OA can affect any joint, but it most often shows up in the hands, knees, hips, lower back, and neck. The knees and hips carry body weight every day, and the hands handle repeated gripping and pinching. Joints that have had a past injury are also more likely to develop OA later.
Common symptoms include joint pain after activity, stiffness first thing in the morning or after rest, swelling, and clicking or popping. For a closer look at one common site, see the osteoarthritis page at Denver Arthritis Clinic.
When to Discuss Osteoarthritis Risk Factors With a Rheumatologist
The American College of Rheumatology explains that a rheumatologist diagnoses what type of musculoskeletal disease a person has and treats it with nonsurgical methods. That makes a rheumatologist a good fit when joint pain lasts, stiffness lingers, or the cause is unclear.
At Denver Arthritis Clinic, care for OA can include medication options and lifestyle guidance. Some patients may also receive joint injections, such as steroid or viscosupplement injections, when a rheumatologist feels they are a good fit. Ask your primary care physician about a referral to Denver Arthritis Clinic if joint pain is getting in the way of daily activities.
Ask About an Osteoarthritis Evaluation at Denver Arthritis Clinic
OA develops from a mix of age, genetics, injury, weight, and joint stress. Knowing which factors apply can help patients and doctors choose the right treatment path before pain limits daily life.
If joint pain or stiffness is wearing you down, talk to your primary care physician about a referral to Denver Arthritis Clinic for an osteoarthritis evaluation at the Lowry or Lone Tree location. Learn more at the Denver Arthritis Clinic homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes osteoarthritis?
OA is caused by a mix of factors, including age, joint injury, repetitive stress, excess weight, genetics, and sex. No single cause explains every case.
What are the main osteoarthritis risk factors?
Key risk factors include older age, a past joint injury, family history, being a woman, excess weight, and repeated stress on the same joints.
What are common osteoarthritis symptoms?
Symptoms include joint pain during or after activity, morning or after-rest stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, and clicking or popping in the joint.
Is osteoarthritis just caused by getting older?
No. Age raises risk, but OA is not inevitable, and younger people can develop it, especially after a joint injury.
How do I find an osteoarthritis specialist near me in Denver?
Ask your primary care physician for a referral to Denver Arthritis Clinic, where rheumatologists see patients in Lowry and Lone Tree.
