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Arthritis
Risk Factors
Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Risk factors for arthritis include:
- Age: The risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age.
- Gender: Most types of arthritis are more common in women; 60 percent of all people with arthritis are women. Gout is more common in men.
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Overweight and obesity: Carrying excess weight puts stress on joints, particularly your knees, hips and spine.
- Joint injuries: People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint.
- Infection: Many microbial agents can infect joints and potentially cause the development of certain forms of arthritis.
- Occupation: Certain occupations involving repetitive knee bending and squatting are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Assess Your Risk for Arthritis  on the Arthritis Foundation website.
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