Harvard (United States) researchers examined more than 2000 skeletons from collections across the United States and thus demonstrated that the prevalence of osteoarthritis of the knee has increased considerably in recent decades. But this study above all upsets a received idea according to which osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear and the aging of the population.
American researchers affirm that the prevalence of the disease is not only due to age but that it is mainly due to the growing sedentary lifestyle of the population. Indeed, the less we move, the less we exercise, the less we strengthen the articular cartilages.
A disease difficult to cure
“Understanding the origins of osteoarthritis of the knee was an urgent challenge because nothing can cure the disease except joint replacement. And once the osteoarthritis is installed, it creates a vicious “, said Prof. Daniel Lieberman. “People become less active, which can lead to other health problems at a faster rate.”.
By taking this fresh look at knee osteoarthritis, researchers hope they can prevent this crippling disease as it is possible to prevent cardiovascular disease.
This study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National academy of sciences.
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