Osteoarthritis is characterized by destruction of cartilage, inflammation of the membrane which lines the inside of the joint, as well as remodeling of the bone layer located directly under the cartilage, explains Inserm. It is most often manifested by “pain and stiffness, and sometimes inflammation and/or fluid accumulation in the joint cavity.”
In addition to being painful, it can cause major disability, with loss of mobility. In a recent video posted on Instagram, a doctor specializing in geriatrics, known as @le_geriatre on social networks, shared the risk factors for osteoarthritis as well as information to know about the disease.
What are the risk factors that promote the development of osteoarthritis?
Multiple factors can cause the onset of osteoarthritis. Here are the risk factors mentioned by the geriatrician in his video:
- Age. The older you are, the more likely you are to develop osteoarthritis. As the specialist indicates, it is a disease “linked largely with aging”. Indeed, figures given by Inserm indicate that only 3% of those under 45 suffer from osteoarthritis. Conversely, 65% of those over 65 are affected as well as 80% of those over 80.
- Too much pressure on the joints. Being overweight, frequently carrying heavy loads or doing too much physical activity are likely to promote the onset of osteoarthritis.
- A metabolic system disrupted by diseases. Certain diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or even dyslipidemia can cause the appearance of osteoarthritis.
- Other joint diseases. As indicated by Inserm, certain other joint diseases such as chondrocalcinosis, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis constitute risk factors for osteoarthritis.
- Bone diseases in contact with the joint. Certain bone diseases such as aseptic osteonecrosis can trigger osteoarthritis.
- Anatomical abnormalities. After-effects of trauma such as joint fracture, neglected sprain or dislocation can cause osteoarthritis. Just like deviations of the axis of the leg, or hip dysplasia.
- Genetic. In certain cases of osteoarthritis, such as osteoarthritis of the hands, having affected family members is a risk factor, explains Inserm. According to the specialist, some early osteoarthritis can also be hereditary.
Osteoarthritis: 3 things to know, according to a geriatrician
According to the geriatrician, contrary to what one might think, it is recommended to practice physical activity when you have osteoarthritis. To do this, simply adapt the exercises performed to the affected joints and adjust the intensity of the activity. “Immobility is the only thing that should be banned” , he explains in his video. In addition, although many imagine that osteoarthritis is hereditary, this is not the case according to the specialist, except when it comes to osteoarthritis of the hands or certain early osteoarthritis. Finally, the link between obesity and osteoarthritis is not the only one to promote the appearance of joint disease. As the doctor indicates, there is another link that “doubles the risk, particularly for osteoarthritis of the hands and knees”: this is the link between diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Source :
- Osteoarthritis: the most widespread joint disease – Inserm