Overweight, injury, excessive physical activity, genetics, and metabolic disorders are common causes of knee osteoarthritis.
The knee joint is susceptible to damage and degeneration compared to other joints such as the hip, shoulder or wrist joints, due to the high pressure from body weight during activities such as standing, walking and running. With its complex structure and participation in many flexible movements, knee cartilage is more susceptible to wear and tear.
According to Dr. Hoang Quyet Tien, Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, below are common factors leading to knee osteoarthritis.
Overweight Serious impact on the knee joint, because the joint must bear a force 3-4 times greater than the body weight. Excess weight not only puts mechanical stress on the joints, but also triggers an inflammatory response in the body, exacerbating osteoarthritis. Losing weight can help significantly limit the impact force on the knee joint, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
Injury is the leading factor leading to knee osteoarthritis. Damage to cartilage, ligaments or bones causes joint instability, stimulates a local inflammatory response, causes joint swelling, pain and impaired function. If not treated properly, prolonged inflammation can damage the cartilage structure, thereby leading to osteoarthritis. Athletes are at higher risk of degeneration because the knee joint is under constant pressure and is often injured.
The technician guides the patient through knee rehabilitation exercises. Image: Tam Anh General Hospital
Excessive physical activity Creating repetitive pressure can easily lead to knee osteoarthritis. Excessive exercise in sports such as jogging, football, basketball, tennis or heavy work puts great pressure on the knee joints. Structures such as cartilage and ligaments are susceptible to damage, stimulating an inflammatory response. Prolonged inflammation not only increases pain but also promotes degeneration and reduces joint mobility.
Metabolic disordersespecially metabolic syndrome (MetS), significantly affects the knee joint, increasing the risk of arthritis. People with MetS often face factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, which increase pressure on the knee joint and stimulate an inflammatory response. Metabolic disorders also increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis, promoting disease progression, causing pain and reducing quality of life.
Dr. Tien recommends that everyone, especially middle-aged people, should see a musculoskeletal specialist regularly. Supplementing specific natural nutrients such as non-denatured Collagen Type 2 and hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide contributes to regulating the immune system, maintaining joint fluid quality, and regenerating articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Eggshell Membrane essence (essence from eggshell membrane), Turmeric Root (turmeric essence), Chondroitin Sulfate… support the control of knee arthritis, increase joint durability and flexibility, fight inflammation, slow down degeneration , prevent bone and joint diseases.