Causes for osteoarthritis

As often in live there is not only one but there are several causes for something. This is the same with osteoarthritis. In most of the cases, osteoarthritis is a long-term consequence of (over-) utilization of the joints for many years. This can be due to malformation (congenital or by habit, e.g. by adopting a relieving posture after an injury), overweight, inaccurate execution of movements at practicing sports or running workouts for years with inadequate shoes on hard ground. Another cause for osteoarthritis lies in jobs, where a kneeling or ducked posture must be kept most of the time. All this stresses the joints more than is good for them.

Another cause are accidents, or, more precisely, their long-term consequences. Often, limitations of movements or relieving postures remain, stimulating like this development of osteoarthritis. Hence, it is particularly important after an accident to get back the full range of mobility, supported by a physiotherapist and one’s own initiative. It is though very important to know that the healing process of joints lasts several weeks. If you take up your training routine too early, the joint cannot heal completely and it will be damaged even further. That is why it is of tremendous importance to only take up training if your physician or physiotherapist give the green light. And even then, you have to start your training slowly and carefully.

Sometimes, osteoarthritis though has a genetic component, meaning that some people have a genetic predisposition for joint weakness. Adding unfavorable circumstances like described above, an osteoarthritis develops easily.

It is important not to forget that physical inactivity is at least as harmful as too much activity! If you neglect moving your joints, nutrients cannot be transported to them. In any case, you can support the health of your joints by the intake of specific food supplements.