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What is the cause of bone degeneration?

Published in Bone Health 2 mins read

The cause of bone degeneration is often multifactorial, but key contributors include chronic joint stress, genetics, previous injuries, and weight.

Bone degeneration, often manifested as osteoarthritis or other bone-related conditions, stems from a complex interplay of factors. Here's a breakdown of the primary causes:

  • Chronic Joint Stress: Repetitive or high-impact activities, common in sports and certain occupations, can wear down cartilage, the protective tissue cushioning bones in joints. This leads to bone-on-bone friction, triggering degeneration.

  • Family History: Genetics play a significant role. If you have a family history of osteoarthritis or other degenerative bone diseases, you are at a higher risk.

  • Previous Joint Injuries: Past injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can destabilize joints and accelerate the degenerative process over time. Even seemingly minor injuries can contribute to long-term bone health issues.

  • Obesity or Being Overweight: Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. This increased load accelerates cartilage breakdown and bone degeneration.

Therefore, bone degeneration isn't usually caused by a single factor, but rather by a combination of genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and past injuries, leading to a gradual deterioration of bone and joint health.

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