Causes of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis rarely has a single cause. It usually results from several factors acting on a joint over years.

Common risk factors

• Age: cartilage repairs less well as we get older.
• Excess body weight: every extra kilo adds several kilos of load on the knees when walking. Weight also affects joints through inflammatory pathways.
• Joint injury: ligament tears, fractures or meniscus damage raise the risk, sometimes years later.
• Repeated stress: jobs or activities with kneeling, squatting or heavy lifting.
• Family history: genes influence cartilage quality and joint shape.
• Joint shape differences: such as hip dysplasia or knock knees.
• Other conditions: earlier gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or metabolic conditions can damage joints.
• Muscle weakness: weak thigh muscles give the knee less support.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda attributes Sandhigata Vata to Vata-aggravating factors: ageing (Vata is dominant in later life), dry and cold foods, irregular routines, fasting, excess exertion, night waking and injury (Abhighata). This is an interpretive framework, not a proven mechanism.

What you can change

Weight, activity level, muscle strength, footwear and workplace habits are modifiable. Age, genes and past injuries are not.

See a doctor if a sudden joint injury is followed by swelling or inability to straighten or bear weight on the leg.

When to get help

Book a visit with your doctor or an orthopaedic or rheumatology clinic if joint pain keeps returning, limits walking, stairs or sleep, or if you are unsure which treatments are safe with your other medicines. Early advice often avoids unnecessary scans, tablets and bed rest, and lets you start the right exercise plan sooner.

Remember

Having risk factors does not mean arthritis is certain. Strong muscles and healthy weight protect joints at any age.