It’s commonly believed that osteoarthritis is caused by joint overuse or gradual wear and tear that eventually catches up with people around middle age.26,27

But osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can also affect people at a much younger age26

Risk factors include:

  • Obesity
  • Repetitive stress from sports or certain occupations
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Genetics
  • Aging
  • Joint injury

Learn about OA Symptoms

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Even healthy, athletic people may develop osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can strike anyone at any age.26 

How OA is Diagnosed