A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get OA with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting OA are greater in people who have many.

OA is more common in older adults. It is also more common in women. Other things that can raise the risk are:

Obesity, which causes extra strain on the joints
Jobs or sports with lifting, squatting, kneeling, or repeated joint use
Having people in your family with OA
Weak muscles or tendons that cannot support joints
Prior injury to the joint
History of joint infection or disease
Structural problems—may cause balance or alignment problems that put stress on joints

References:

Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis. Accessed August 24, 2021.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-hip. Accessed August 24, 2021.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-knee. Accessed August 24, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT
Last Updated: 8/24/2021

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