Causes

Fractures, injuries to the cartilage and other knee injuries can all lead to excessive wear and arthritis. High loads on your joints can also lead to arthritis, for example if you are overweight or due to overuse. Infection, deformity and other diseases can also contribute. Heredity may also play an important role.

• Osteoarthritis: This disease results from aging attacking the cartilage allowing the bones to contact and rub against one another. Excessive weight and work related activities also play a role in the development of this disease.
• Inflammatory arthritis: This is a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the tissue that lines and cushions the joints. As cartilage wears away, the knee often becomes stiff and swollen. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis.
• Traumatic arthritis: Breakdown of cartilage in traumatic arthritis is the result of a bad fall or other injury. These events lead to overstressing the knee joint causing the breakdown of cartilage.