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.

Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis: Changes in Cartilage, Bone, and More

By Angelica Bottaro

Doctor showing patient knee x-ray on tablet

Chondrosis: Types, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Grandparent and child

Is Osteoarthritis Genetic?

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Man holding his painful knee

Osteoarthritis: Causes and Risk Factors

Medically reviewed by Grant Hughes, MD

Older couple jogging in a park

Tips for Osteoarthritis Prevention

Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD

Doctor feeling patient's hand

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

The Effects of Smoking on 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

The Causes of Arthritic Joint Locking

Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD

Ethnicity and Arthritis

The Effect of Ethnicity on Osteoarthritis

By Carol Eustice