Dr. Chan Eng Keong, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director of Alps Orthopaedic Centre, part of the Beyond Medical Group, told Live Well that while aging is the biggest risk factor for osteoarthritis, younger people can also develop it due to factors like previous joint injuries, repetitive stress from sports or occupations, and overloading of joints caused by obesity. Certain anatomical factors, such as joint misalignment, can also accelerate cartilage wear and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Dr. Chan further explained that sports-related injuries, such as ligament tears or cartilage damage, can disrupt the natural stability of joints and increase the risk of early degeneration.
Prolonged sitting and being overweight can place unnecessary stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Furthermore, both extremes of joint overuse and joint underuse can contribute to osteoarthritis.
Warning signs of osteoarthritis include persistent joint pain after activity, stiffness in the morning or after resting, swelling, a clicking or grinding sensation, and difficulty performing daily activities. Many young people tend to ignore these symptoms, assuming they are minor or temporary, accelerating joint damage.
