5) Obesity and overweight
In many cases, knee osteoarthritis is caused by obesity and being overweight. As a person’s weight increases, the forces placed on the knee joint increase, resulting in increased pressure and friction in the joint. This causes the cartilage to break down faster than it can repair itself, resulting in a gradual breakdown of the joint.
This mechanism of wear and tear leads to a decrease in the cushioning effect of the cartilage, leading to joint pain and stiffness. In addition, extra weight can also cause inflammation in the joint, further contributing to the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.