Arthritis entails chronic soreness of one or more joints of the person’s body. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. In this, the cartilage in one or more joints deteriorates with time. Cartilage otherwise is a tough, rubbery substance which protects the end of the bones and allows it move easily. But with the degeneration of the cartilage, the smooth surface of the bones in the joints becomes pitted and rough. This can cause pain in the joints and also cause a problem in surrounding tissues. Over the time with the age of the individual, the cartilage may wear away completely. This causes the bones to rub together which causes severe pain.

Lifestyle:

Certain factors as known to have increased the risk of osteoarthritis. Some of these factors are beyond your control. However, you can diminish the risk of rising osteoarthritis from damage caused by lifestyle factors like overuse of joints, obesity, and posture

Family history:

Osteoarthritis sometimes runs in the family. If your parents or sibling have osteoarthritis you are most likely to have it too.

Age:

Osteoarthritis is directly connected to wear and tear on joints. It gets worse with the growing age of a person. According to the research by some institute, more than one-third adults who are over the age of 65 have symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Gender:

Osteoarthritis can affect both men and women. According to the research of some institute its slightly more common in men until the age of 45. After that, it’s more common in women. This may reflect the different joint stressor experienced by men and women at different ages.

Previous injuries:

People who have injured a joint during the lifetime are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in that joint.

Obesity:

If the person is overweight or obese it puts extra stress on the body. This also increases the risk of osteoarthritis in the joints. People who are overweight or obese are particularly susceptible to this disease in the areas like knees, hips, and spine. However, obesity is also associated with osteoarthritis in non-weight -bearing joints such as those in the hands of a person. This clearly suggests that extra mechanical stress on the joints or weight alone may not increase osteoarthritis risk.

Certain occupations:

Repetitive actions like the one which puts undue stress on your joints and occupation like lifting heavy objects, kneeling, climbing stairs and walking, which requires repetitive actions can increase osteoarthritis risk. People who regularly participate in joint-intensive sports may also have an increased osteoarthritis risk.

Poor posture:

People commonly have a habit of sitting or standing improperly can stain your joints. This can increase the osteoarthritis risk.