Osteoarthritis affects more than 27 million Americans. Of this number, 60% are women. A recent article in everydayHEALTH focuses on why more women have osteoarthritis.
Factors include
- Biology – Women’s bodies are designed with wide hip joints, to facilitate the birthing process. Wider hips may lead to increased mechanical stress on knees, which may increase the development of osteoarthritis.
- Genetics – Osteoarthritis tends to occur in families.
- Hormones – Estrogen reduces the inflammatory effect of mechanical stress on joints and cartilage. After menopause, decreased levels of estrogen may result in increased joint inflammation.
- Obesity – More women are obese than are men, and research has shown that obesity is associated with the development of osteoarthritis.
The excellent article in everydayHEALTH provides additional information and reminds women to seek the advice and guidance of their family physicians in helping prevent and manage the effects of osteoarthritis.
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