Osteoarthritis Causes and Risk Factors

While aging and wear-and-tear are classic causes of osteoarthritis, there are other risk factors. Learn what may be out of your control and what changes can keep your joints healthy.

Shot of a doctor explaining x-ray test result to patient in clinic. Focus on digital tablet screen with medical scan image.

The Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Doctor showing patient knee x-ray on tablet

What Is Chondrosis?

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Grandparent and child

Is Osteoarthritis Genetic?

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Man holding his painful knee

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Older couple jogging in a park

Ways You Can Prevent Osteoarthritis

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

Doctor feeling patient's hand

Can Cracking Your Knuckles Really Cause Arthritis?

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Discover Why Smoking Might Increase Your Risk of Osteoarthritis

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

X-rays showing severe osteoarthritis in the knee.

Cause of Cartilage Degeneration in Osteoarthritis

Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD

a doctor examining a patient's knee

What's to Blame for Arthritic Joint Locking?

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD