CreakyJoints reports on the causes and risk factors of osteoarthritis (OA), according to experts.

CreakyJoints spoke to Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, rheumatologist at HSS, about the affects of osteoarthritis on your joints. “OA isn’t just about the cartilage. It’s a disease of the whole joint. The ligaments are weak, the tendons are frayed, the muscles are weak,” explained Dr. Mandl. Dr. Mandl cited age is the strongest non-modifiable risk factor for OA, and sex also plays a role. Knee and hand OA is more common in women than men, and the frequency of hip OA is the same in women and men, said Dr. Mandl. Additionally, weight is the biggest modifiable risk factor for developing OA. “Even losing five pounds can make a difference. The heavier you are, the more likely you are to develop knee OA and for it to progress and become more severe. It is never too late to lose weight," noted Dr. Mandl.

Read the article at Creakyjoints.org.