| 1. |
The risk of getting osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee increases with age. |
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True. Most people develop OA after age 45 and it is most common among people over age 65. Exceptions would be people who have had a sports-related injury or some other trauma to the knee when they were younger. |
| 2. |
If my mother has OA of the knee, that means I'll definitely develop it too. |
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False. Studies have shown that family history may play a role in increasing your risk for developing OA of the knee, but it isn't a guarantee. |
| 3. |
OA is more common in women. |
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True. OA is more prevalent among women overall. However, up to age 55, OA can actually be more common in men. |
| 4. |
Exercise can trigger OA of the knee. |
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False. Moderate regular exercise can strengthen joints, which can reduce your risk of developing the condition. However, if you've participated in sports, like skiing, running or other sports that require a lot of bending, you are at higher risk for OA of the knee. |
| 5. |
If you've had knee injuries in the past, you're more likely to develop OA of the knee. |
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True. Studies have shown that people who have had a previous knee injury are 2 to 7 times more likely to develop OA of the knee than those who never experienced a knee injury. |
| 6. |
If your job is physically demanding, that increases your risk of getting OA of the knee. |
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True. If your job involves lots of heavy lifting, bending, standing or getting up and down a lot—any of which may put stress on the knees—you may be at higher risk to develop OA. |