Loss of cartilage is the main cause of osteoarthritis.
- Hereditary: OA runs in families. There is strong genetic association.
- Age: OA seems to have direct relation with increased age, due to natural wear and tear experienced with age.
- Gender: Women are more prone to get OA and the risk increases after menopause.
- Mechanical- Damage from mechanical stress or injury with insufficient self repair by joints is also an important cause.
- Congenital-Birth defects like misalignments of bones cause OA in future.
- Excess body weight - It put pressure on the weight bearing joints of the body leading to their damage.
- Non coordinated movements - Loss of strength in the muscles supporting a joint and impairment of peripheral nerves leading to sudden or uncoordinated movements. This leads to pressure on joints.
- Disease condition- Certain medical diseases like Costochondritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lyme's disease, Gout, Septic Arthritis may also cause OA.
