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Risk factors
Doctors have identified several major risk factors for developing OA:
Family history: People with close relatives who have OA tend to be prone to the disease themselves. A defect in the gene responsible for the formation of collagen, a component of cartilage, makes people more susceptible.
Advancing age: The older people get, the more frequently OA symptoms appear.
Obesity: Carrying too much weight puts extra stress on certain joints, such as the hips and the knees.
Overuse or injury to the joint: Athletes and those whose jobs require repetitive bending, say, may be at higher risk.
"Malaligned" bones: Conditions such as having knock-knee or being bowlegged increase the chances for wear and tear in the joint.
Having another form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis: This can traumatize a joint, also increasing the chances of wear and erosion.
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