Knee osteoarthritis can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience, affecting patients’ daily activities and quality of life. Understanding the causes of knee osteoarthritis can help patients take preventive measures and choose appropriate treatment approaches.
8 causes of knee osteoarthritis
Studies have shown that many factors may contribute to this condition. However, the following causes of knee osteoarthritis are considered by specialists to be among the most common:
Age and sex
Over time, the musculoskeletal system gradually undergoes natural aging. As age increases, the risk of osteoarthritis also rises because the joint cartilage becomes weaker, making the joints more prone to inflammation and swelling. In addition, women aged 55 and older are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than men. From the age of 65 onward, osteoarthritis tends to progress more rapidly and commonly affects the knee joints, hand joints, and other joints.
Improper posture and physical activity
People who regularly perform heavy labor or physically demanding work, such as construction workers, porters, or manual laborers, often place continuous pressure on their joints. This makes the musculoskeletal system more vulnerable to injury and increases the risk of joint degeneration.
In addition, children who carry overly heavy school bags for long periods or engage in heavy labor too early, while their musculoskeletal system is still developing, may also experience adverse effects on bone and joint health. In the future, they may face a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis at an early age.
Daily posture and working posture are also important factors that directly affect the musculoskeletal system. Excessive running, jumping, or climbing, prolonged sitting with poor posture while working or studying, and sitting or standing in the same position for too long can place pressure on the joints and increase the risk of osteoarthritis. This is especially common among office workers, garment workers, and others whose jobs require prolonged static postures.
Overweight and obesity
Overweight and obesity are risk factors for many diseases and can seriously affect overall health. In particular, they have a direct impact on the musculoskeletal system by placing excessive pressure on the joints, making them more susceptible to injury. This problem may become even more serious during daily movement, physical activity, or labor.
Injury
Traffic accidents, occupational injuries, or high intensity exercise and sports can place excessive pressure on the joints, leading to joint inflammation and swelling. If not treated promptly, these injuries may increase the risk of osteoarthritis. This is also one of the common causes of knee osteoarthritis.
Genetic factors
People with a family history of musculoskeletal disorders may have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than others. In fact, some cases of knee osteoarthritis are associated with congenital abnormalities or damage to the bones and cartilage.
Inappropriate nutrition
The body needs adequate calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong and healthy bones and joints. People who do not receive enough of these essential nutrients may face a higher risk of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
In addition, frequent use of stimulants, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can gradually weaken the bones and joints, increasing the risk of degeneration. Regular consumption of fast food, canned foods, greasy foods, and high fat foods may also lead to weight gain and negatively affect bone and joint health.
Complications from underlying diseases
Several medical conditions can adversely affect the bones, joints, and cartilage, including obesity, gout, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and flat feet.
People with rheumatoid arthritis, the second most common type of arthritis, are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis. In addition, patients with certain metabolic disorders, such as excess iron or excess growth hormone, may also be more susceptible to osteoarthritis.
Improper use of corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of allergic conditions, inflammation, and immune suppression. However, overuse or improper use without a doctor’s guidance may worsen the progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Preventive measures against knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis does not only occur in older adults. In recent years, the condition has tended to affect younger people as well. Therefore, to reduce the risk factors mentioned above, preventive measures should be adopted early to lower the risk of developing the disease and prevent serious complications caused by knee osteoarthritis.
Preventive measures include:
- Building a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet, with increased intake of foods rich in calcium and minerals. Foods high in fat should be limited, while alcohol and stimulants should be avoided as they may contribute to muscle stiffness.
- Exercising regularly every day with activities appropriate for each person’s physical condition, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Massaging the knee joints every morning and evening to help relax the muscles and improve blood circulation.
- Having regular health checkups every six months to monitor overall health status and detect and manage osteoarthritis early if it occurs.
- Office workers, in particular, should avoid sitting in one position for too long and should occasionally stand up and walk gently to change posture and prevent muscle and joint fatigue.
- Maintaining a relaxed mental state and avoiding stress and psychological tension.
- Preventing injuries by warming up thoroughly before physical activity, wearing properly fitting shoes, and exercising in a suitable environment. If an injury occurs, patients should visit the nearest specialized medical facility for timely treatment.
- Maintaining proper posture during daily activities and movement to avoid damage to the musculoskeletal system.
- Limiting heavy lifting and avoiding overexertion.
Following the preventive measures above can help significantly reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
If symptoms such as joint pain, joint stiffness, or reduced mobility occur, patients should visit a musculoskeletal specialist as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and an appropriate, effective treatment plan.
When undergoing examination and treatment for osteoarthritis at the Musculoskeletal Department of Hong Ngoc Hospital, patients can access high quality medical services in Hanoi, including:
- A team of experienced and highly qualified doctors who have worked at leading hospitals in Vietnam and abroad, including Bach Mai Hospital, Viet Duc University Hospital, and Royal North Shore Hospital in Australia.
- A modern medical equipment system imported from the United States, including the SIGNA Prime MRI system, a 128 slice CT scanner, the Hologic bone densitometry system, and the Logiq P7 musculoskeletal ultrasound system. These technologies provide high resolution images and help accurately detect tumors, bone and joint injuries, and other abnormalities at an early stage.
- A coordinated treatment approach with the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department, using German therapy equipment and advanced Austrian manual therapy techniques to help patients restore mobility more quickly and reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis.
- A specific follow up schedule, with proactive appointment reminders for each patient.
- A clean hospital environment with modern amenities, including free Wi Fi, a coffee shop, and a restaurant.
- Services available on Saturdays and Sundays with no additional charges.
- Fast and convenient direct billing procedures, helping ensure maximum insurance benefits for patients.
With these advantages, Hong Ngoc General Hospital is a trusted medical address for the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in general and osteoarthritis in particular.
For consultation on knee osteoarthritis treatment services at Hong Ngoc Hospital, please contact the hotline at 0889 621 046 for prompt assistance.
Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Patients should not purchase or use medications on their own for treatment. To accurately determine their medical condition, patients should visit a hospital or reputable healthcare facility for direct examination, diagnosis, and consultation with a physician on an appropriate treatment plan.
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