7 Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis (and Which Ones You Can Change)
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Knee osteoarthritis rarely has one single cause. Usually several factors come together over the years. Some of them you cannot change, others you can influence quite a lot. Knowing them helps you see where it makes sense to start. If you want to know more about the condition itself, read our article on types of knee osteoarthritis.
1. Age
The risk grows with age. Cartilage becomes less resilient over time, and the muscles around the knee get weaker if you do not train them. Age alone is not a sentence, though: many older people have knees that cause them few problems.
2. Women are affected more often
Women get knee osteoarthritis more often than men, especially after menopause. Possible reasons include hormonal changes, a different leg shape and less muscle mass. Researchers are still studying how much each of them matters.
3. Body weight
Every extra kilo adds load to the knee with every step, and fatty tissue itself seems to increase inflammation in the body. That is why weight is one of the most important factors you can influence yourself.
4. Old knee injuries
A torn meniscus or a ligament injury can raise the risk of osteoarthritis years later, sometimes even in young people. More on this in our article on knee ligament injuries. Good rehabilitation after an injury is worth the effort.
5. Work that is hard on the knees
Jobs with a lot of kneeling, squatting, lifting heavy loads or climbing stairs put heavy strain on the knees over the years. Knee pads, regular breaks and good lifting technique help to spread the load better.
6. Leg alignment and weak muscles
With bow legs or knock knees, the load falls more on one side of the knee. Weak thigh muscles mean the joint has less support. You cannot easily change the shape of your legs, but you can strengthen your muscles at any age.
7. Genes
If your parents or siblings have osteoarthritis, your risk may be higher. You cannot choose your genes, but you can pay more attention to the factors you can influence.
A risk factor is not a diagnosis
Having one or even several of these factors does not mean you will get osteoarthritis. Many people with risk factors keep healthy knees, and some people without any clear risk factor still get it. Think of these factors as a map: they show where your knees may need a little more attention, so you can act early instead of waiting for pain. Early signs, such as stiffness in the morning or pain after a long walk, are worth taking seriously.
What you can do yourself
- Stay active with joint-friendly movement such as walking, cycling or swimming.
- Strengthen your thigh and hip muscles regularly.
- Work toward a healthy body weight in small steps.
- Take knee injuries seriously and finish the rehabilitation.
- Protect your knees at work and in sport.
If your knee already hurts or swells, see a doctor. You will find an overview of the options in our article on knee osteoarthritis treatments.
A sleeve you will actually wear
The best sleeve is the one that does not end up in a drawer. The KeenTrove Bamboo Knee Sleeve is made for exactly that:
- soft, breathable bamboo, comfortable even in summer
- fits snugly but does not dig in behind the knee
- does not lock the knee, so you move naturally
- wear it under your clothes during the day and in bed at night
With 60 days to get your money back, you have nothing to lose.
Note: this article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have circulation problems or diabetes, or have recently had knee surgery, talk to your doctor before wearing compression.
