26/01/2024
Knee osteoarthritis develops when the knee's articular cartilage is exposed to excessive loads over time or can't withstand normal loads. Factors contributing to knee OA include:
Age: More common above 45, with rates increasing with each decade.
Weight: Being overweight raises the risk and progression of knee OA due to increased load-bearing.
Gender: Rates are higher in women after age 50.
History of trauma or surgery: May lead to early onset due to cartilage damage or compromised knee strength.
Family history: Inherited cartilage vulnerability can reduce its resilience over time.
Occupations: Heavily physical jobs can impose significant knee loads over the years.
Natural leg posture: Unusual leg postures, like 'bow legs,' unevenly distribute loads and contribute to cartilage wear.
Biomechanics: Maltracking, like patella misalignment, can cause early wear in specific joint surfaces.
Muscle weakness: Especially in the quadriceps, leading to increased joint surface loads.
Physiotherapy interventions can address these factors and help manage knee osteoarthritis.
