Knee arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is the breakdown of cartilage in one or both of your knees. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber for your knee joint and prevents bones in your knee from rubbing against each other when you walk or perform other physical activities. A lack of cartilage causes bones to rub against each other and form bone spurs, or abnormal small humps of bone in your knee. This results in pain, inflammation and stiffness, states Medline Plus. While conservative treatments are first-line therapies, surgery may be necessary in severe cases. Most causes of arthritis in the knee are unavoidable. However, targeting others can reduce your risk.
Age
Long-term wear and tear of your knee joint is unfortunately the most common cause of arthritis in the knee. Many years of pressure can damage cartilage and promote bone spur formation. While there is nothing that you can do about your age, you can keep your body young. Keep your knees young and healthy by exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Stronger leg muscles will reduce the pressure on your knees and sufficient nutrients will keep the fluid in your knees healthy.
Heredity
Heredity is another cause of arthritis that you cannot avoid, states the Mayo Clinic. If members of your family have this condition, especially at a young age, chances are that you will also have arthritis. Still, you can prevent early onset and reduce the severity of your symptoms by adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Knee Injury
Injury to your knee joint can cause early development of arthritis, states the Mayo Clinic. Car accidents, sports injuries and falls can cause damage to the cartilage and bone in your knee, which can lead to arthritis. While you can't prevent some knee injuries, you can prevent sports injuries by using proper technique and wearing protective gear. In addition, you can prevent falls by keeping your legs strong and by modifying your environment if you are someone with a high fall risk.
Muscle Weakness
The Mayo Clinic states that weak leg muscles can lead to arthritis in the knee. This occurs because weak leg muscles allow the bones in your knee to rub together, which results in damaged cartilage and the development of bone spurs. Therefore, you can reduce your risk of arthritis in the knee by incorporating leg exercises, such as lunges, squats, and leg extensions into your exercise regimen.
Obesity
Obesity is a cause of knee arthritis that you can alter by losing weight. Additional weight that you are carrying will increase the pressure in your knee, which will damage cartilage and lead to bone spur formation. Thus, reducing your caloric intake and beginning and exercise program can lead to a reduction in your risk for developing arthritis in the knee. Increase your fruit and vegetable intake, reduce your food portions and walk a minimum of 10,000 steps per day to reduce your risk of arthritis.
