Osteoarthritis 'often caused by obesity'

One expert has warned that being obese could lead to osteoarthritis (OA), suggesting that those using home care may want to watch their weight.

Chief executive of Arthritis Care Neil Betteridge said that, as well as age, obesity is a major risk factor for OA, meaning that it is not just older people who experience the condition.

 "With the obesity epidemic especially, carrying all that weight projects the pressure onto joints, so therefore we are likely to see an epidemic of osteoarthritis affecting younger people in the next generation sadly, unless something radical happens," he said.

The expert explained that age is a risk factor for OA as time gradually wears out bones and joints.

Meanwhile, a study published in journal Arthritis Care & Research found that setting and achieving realistic physical activity goals could help those with rheumatoid arthritis.

The achievement of physical activity aims was linked to less self-reported pain and increased quality of life in those with the condition.

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