What Is Osteoarthritis: Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in adults. It happens when the cartilage inside a joint wears away.

Cartilage acts like a cushion between bones, allowing them to move smoothly. When this cushion gets thinner or disappears, the bones start to rub directly against each other.

This can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving. In the early stages, many people notice mild joint stiffness after sitting or resting, or some discomfort during daily activities.

Over time, these symptoms can get worse. Simple tasks like walking a long distance, climbing stairs, or using your hands for work may become challenging.

In Indonesia, osteoarthritis is becoming more common. This is partly because the population is living longer, but also because changes in lifestyle, such as less physical activity and higher rates of obesity, are increasing risk factors for joint problems.

Understanding what causes osteoarthritis and who is most at risk can help you take early steps to prevent or manage it.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones becomes damaged. This damage may be the result of years of regular joint use, injuries, or other health problems.

Think of cartilage like the soft padding inside a comfortable shoe. When the padding is new, walking feels smooth.

But as it wears down, you start feeling every step more sharply. Similarly, when cartilage wears away, bones press directly against each other, leading to pain and further joint damage.

Key causes include:

• Daily wear and tear on the joints from years of use.
• Aging, which slows the body’s ability to repair cartilage.
• Mild, ongoing inflammation that slowly breaks down joint tissues.

Main Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis

Certain people have a higher chance of developing osteoarthritis because of factors such as:

• Age
• Body weight
• Medical history
• Lifestyle habits

Here’s a closer look at the most common risk factors:

1. Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, especially after 50. As we get older, our joints naturally lose some of their ability to recover from everyday wear.
2. Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, particularly after menopause, possibly due to hormonal changes.
3. Obesity: Carrying extra body weight adds more pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and lower back. Obesity also increases inflammation in the body, which can worsen joint problems.
4. Genetics: If your parents or siblings have osteoarthritis, your chances of developing it may be higher. Certain genes affect how strong or durable your cartilage is.
5. Occupation and Physical Activity: Jobs or activities that require repetitive movement, heavy lifting, or constant kneeling and bending can put more strain on your joints. In Indonesia, workers in farming, construction, and tourism often perform tasks that speed up joint wear.
6. Previous Joint Injuries: Injuries from sports, accidents, or falls can cause long-term changes to the joint structure. Even after the injury heals, the joint may remain more vulnerable to future damage.
7. Structural Abnormalities: Some people are born with joints that do not align properly. This uneven positioning can create extra pressure on certain areas of cartilage, causing it to wear down faster.
8. Chronic Health Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, gout, and high blood pressure can increase inflammation and reduce the body’s ability to repair cartilage.
9. Poor Nutrition: Diets low in vitamin D and calcium can weaken bones and affect joint health. These nutrients are essential for maintaining strong bones and cartilage.
10. Socioeconomic and Educational Factors: Limited access to healthcare can delay diagnosis and treatment. People who are less aware of early symptoms may ignore the warning signs until the disease has progressed.

Why Awareness Matters

Many people think joint pain is just a normal part of aging, but this belief can delay treatment and make the condition worse. While age is a risk factor, osteoarthritis is not something you simply have to live with without support.

By paying attention to early signs, such as stiffness, swelling, or reduced flexibility, you can take action to slow its progress. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your joints.
• Stay active with exercises that are gentle on your joints, such as swimming or cycling.
• Protect yourself from injuries by using proper techniques at work and during sports.
• Seek medical advice early to explore treatment options before the condition becomes severe.

Early awareness leads to better outcomes. It allows doctors to create a personalized plan to protect your joints, manage pain, and keep you moving comfortably for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of osteoarthritis?

The main causes are cartilage wear, joint overuse, previous injuries, and aging.

What is the main risk factor for osteoarthritis?

Age is the biggest risk factor. However, obesity, injury history, and genetics also play important roles.

What causes an osteoarthritis flare?

A flare can happen when a joint is overused, inflamed, or injured. Changes in activity level or cold, damp weather may also trigger pain.

How to avoid osteoarthritis?

Maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, avoid injuries, and get regular checkups. If joint pain starts, see a doctor early.

How Bali International Hospital Can Help

At our international hospital, our orthopedic team offers expert care for anyone experiencing joint pain or stiffness. We provide comprehensive diagnostic services, advanced treatment options, and personalized support to help you stay active.

Our services include:

• Specialist consultations with experienced orthopedic doctors in Bali.
• Imaging and diagnostic testing to identify joint problems accurately.
• Non-surgical and surgical treatment plans, depending on your condition.
• Physiotherapy and joint care coaching to help you recover and protect your joints.
• Insurance assistance and follow-up care for smooth, stress-free treatment.

If you are concerned about osteoarthritis or want to check your joint health, we are here to help. Our doctors have international training and collaborate with global partners to bring you the best care available in Indonesia.



Contact us to schedule your consultation now.