The cause and pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis is unclear, and its occurrence is related to the patient’s age, obesity, inflammation, trauma and genetic factors. Knee pain is also often triggered when there is a change in weather, cold, or strain, which can easily trigger knee pain; in addition, when the joint is traumatised or there is a lot of joint movement, the symptoms of joint pain and movement disorders can worsen.
The following causes can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
1. Ageing: Primary osteoarthritis is common in older people; however, tests have confirmed that it does not occur in some older people, so osteoarthritis is not an inevitable consequence of ageing.
2. Disruption of the anabolic balance between cartilage synthesis cells and matrix: in articular cartilage the cartilage tissue is surrounded by a proteoglycan matrix; changes in the nature of the cells, matrix and lubricating fluid can all cause osteoarthritis.
3. altered joint mechanics: overload stress on articular cartilage (overweight, obesity, strenuous exercise) can cause cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone sclerosis and reduced shock absorption; if the meniscus and ligaments are damaged, forming an unstable knee joint, all can cause osteoarthritis of the knee to occur and develop.