Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint breaks down. As it wears away, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and restricted movement. This process can occur naturally, but there are SEVERAL factors that CAN raise your risk of developing arthritis. Genetics and age are two, NON-preventable risk factors that can cause osteoarthritis . The OLDER you are, the longer you've been working your joints, and the more likely it is that cartilage may become worn down, causing bone on bone friction. Congenital bone abnormalities, double jointedness, bow-legs and a few other genetically inherited skeletal malformations can also amplify your risk. Joint trauma and OBESITY are the two MAJOR PREVENTABLE risk factors for arthritis. Joint trauma includes acute injuries caused by sports or accidents, as well as gradual cartilage damage caused by heavy lifting and repetitive motion. Even a TINY cartilage fissure can develop into cartilage erosion. So, it's important that ANY pain and injury is treated promptly to reduce risk. OA caused by OBESITY often develops in the KNEES and HIPS. You may not realize how much work your leg joints do to carry you. For every pound of weight you gain, you add 4 POUNDS of pressure to your knees and SIX POUNDS OF pressure to your hips. Another reason to eat healthily and exercise! MUSCLE weakness surrounding a joint is another PREVENTABLE risk factor. So, strengthening exercises are a GOOD idea, especially for women. So while some OA risk factors are unavoidable, there is PLENTY you can do to lessen the chance of developing osteoarthritis.