Ques/6 p | Nursing homework help
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder that affects millions of people throughout the world. The risk factors for developing this condition include age, gender, family history, excessive weight, prior injuries and repetitive motion.
Age: As individuals age their joints become less flexible and wear and tear on the cartilage increases which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis in certain joints such as the hips and knees.
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis due to hormonal changes associated with aging and menopause.
Family History: Individuals with an immediate family member who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis are at higher risk of developing it themselves.
Excessive Weight: Carrying too much body weight puts additional stress on all of our joints, increasing the likelihood that they will break down over time leading to symptoms of OA.
Prior Injuries: Any injury or trauma that affects a joint can increase the chances that person has for developing OA in that area later in life.
Repetitive Motion: Doing certain motions such as squatting or kneeling for long periods of time or even doing heavy lifting several days per week can cause strain on a joint leading to increased risk of OA later on in life.