Osteoarthritis of the knee is not an inevitable consequence of aging, according to specialists from the Siteman Cancer Center. In the United States, more than 30 million adults suffer from various forms of osteoarthritis, with the knee joint being the most commonly affected. Although the disease is traditionally associated with older age, about half of all cases occur in people of working age, reports infohub.kz.
Cartilage destruction causes pain and stiffness, which negatively impacts activity, mood, and the risk of falls. Reduced mobility leads to missed workdays and loss of income, and also discourages physical activity. This, in turn, increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Dr. Abby Cheng, an orthopedic surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, notes that risk factors include weak leg muscles, excess weight, female sex, previous injuries, and genetic predisposition. However, heredity does not guarantee the development of the disease.
Medical professionals can develop individualized strategies to manage the disease. Small changes can bring significant benefits. According to Dr. Cheng, for a person who is overweight, losing just 4 kilograms reduces the load on the knees by 18 kilograms with each step, significantly easing pain.
Preventive measures include regular physical activity. Contrary to the common belief that running harms the knees, it can be part of an active lifestyle to reduce the risk of the disease.
Diet also plays a major role. Eating more plant-based foods, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits while limiting ultra-processed foods and sugar reduces inflammation in the body. This helps alleviate pain in all joints and supports long-term health.