Osteoarthritis often coexists with other conditions. Some of these conditions contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, some arise as a result of it, and others occur alongside it due to shared risk factors.
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of joint pain, especially in aging adults, and it frequently affects the:
- Knees
- Hips
- Spine
- Hands
Certain factors, such as previous joint injuries or obesity, can increase your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Additionally, conditions like heart disease and depression are often found in conjunction with osteoarthritis, likely because they share common risk factors. In some instances, osteoarthritis may even lead to the development of other conditions.
Conditions That Increase Your Risk of Osteoarthritis
Having one or more of the following conditions may make you more prone to developing osteoarthritis:
Previous Joint Injuries
Osteoarthritis linked to previous joint injuries is known as post-traumatic osteoarthritis. It typically develops at a younger age than traditional osteoarthritis and is highly associated with sports injuries, according to reliable sources.
Research indicates that post-traumatic osteoarthritis accounts for about 10–12% of osteoarthritis cases. It’s especially common in the ankle, where it may constitute nearly 80% of osteoarthritis diagnoses.
Obesity
Obesity places additional stress on the joints in your back and lower body. It is one of the primary risk factors for the development and progression of osteoarthritis, as supported by trusted sources.
Genetic Structural Differences
Everyone’s anatomy is unique. You may be born with specific structural differences that put more stress on particular joints, making you more susceptible to osteoarthritis.
For example, research suggests a link between the development of knee osteoarthritis and greater supination of the foot. Supination measures how far the sole of your foot leans outwardly.
Overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with a family history of osteoarthritis are at a greater risk of developing the condition than those without a family history.
Conditions that Often Co-occur with Osteoarthritis
Several conditions frequently co-occur with osteoarthritis without directly causing it:
Heart Disease
Individuals with osteoarthritis appear to be at a higher risk of developing heart disease. This connection may partly stem from chronic joint pain acting as a barrier to exercise, and partly due to shared risk factors like obesity.
A 2023 study based on medical claim data from South Korea found that people with knee osteoarthritis had a:
- 26% higher risk of heart disease
- 20% higher risk of heart attack
- 29% higher risk of stroke
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of five risk factors that often occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease. These factors include:
- A large waistline
- High blood sugar levels
- Dyslipidemia (high blood triglyceride levels)
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL cholesterol
Metabolic syndrome is highly associated with obesity, which is one of the primary risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Depression and Anxiety
Research suggests that people with osteoarthritis are more likely to experience depression. Among those with osteoarthritis, depression has been linked to:
- High levels of pain
- Poor functional levels
- Slow walking gait
- A high number of osteoarthritis-affected sites
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a lung disease characterized by restricted airflow and breathing difficulties. Both COPD and osteoarthritis are linked to systemic inflammation and reduced physical activity. Research indicates that osteoarthritis is common among individuals with COPD.
A 2018 review of 14 studies found that osteoarthritis affected approximately 35.5% of people with COPD.
In a 2019 study conducted by researchers from the University of Calgary, depression, COPD, and high blood pressure were identified as the three most common coexisting conditions with osteoarthritis.
Stomach Ulcer
Stomach ulcers are often caused by the frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which people commonly use to treat osteoarthritis.
A separate 2019 study reported that stomach ulcers occurred more than twice as often in individuals with osteoarthritis compared to the general population.
Possible Complications of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can lead to several complications:
Sleep Disorders
It is common for individuals with osteoarthritis to experience sleep disturbances. These may include:
- Insomnia
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
The relationship may be bidirectional. Research also suggests that sleep disorders may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
Nerve Root Compression
Spinal osteoarthritis can cause swelling that compresses the nerve roots branching off from the spinal cord, a condition known as radiculopathy. Symptoms may include:
- Leg weakness
- Shooting pain down the back of the leg
- Tingling
- Numbness
Fractures
Research is mixed regarding whether osteoarthritis increases the risk of bone fractures.
A large study from the UK found a significant link between osteoarthritis and an increased risk of fractures. Furthermore, a 2024 study reported that spinal osteoarthritis raises the risk of spinal fractures. However, a 2023 study found that while osteoarthritis increased the risk of recurrent falls, it did not increase the risk of fractures.
Conditions Similar to Osteoarthritis
Scientists have identified over 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can exhibit symptoms similar to many other forms of arthritis or musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This condition occurs when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: This type develops in some individuals with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes scaly rashes.
- Bursitis: This is the inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called a bursa that surrounds your joint.
- Tendonitis: This involves inflammation of a tendon that connects a muscle to bone.
- Gout: Gout causes flare-ups of joint pain due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the body, most often affecting the big toe.
- Avascular Necrosis: This condition involves the death of bone tissue due to temporary or permanent loss of blood supply.
When to Contact a Doctor
It is advisable to see a doctor if you have persistent arthritis symptoms for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Symptoms may include:
- Joint tenderness
- Pain and stiffness when the joint is immobile
- Limited range of motion
- A crackling or grating sound coming from the joint