Knee Osteoarthritis Isn't Inevitable; Experts Reveal Ways to Protect Your Knees - Video

Knee osteoarthritis may be easier to prevent and manage through everyday lifestyle changes than many people realize, according to orthopedic specialists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The article explains how maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and strengthening leg muscles can reduce stress on the knees and may help lower the risk of osteoarthritis or slow its progression.

Knee osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside the knee gradually wears down. As this protective tissue becomes thinner, the joint can become painful, stiff and increasingly difficult to move, affecting mobility and overall quality of life.

The condition is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain, particularly among older adults, although nearly half of cases occur in people who are still of working age. Women, older individuals, people with previous knee injuries, those with weak leg muscles and people who are overweight or obese are among those at higher risk.

One of the most effective lifestyle strategies is maintaining a healthy body weight. According to experts, losing just 10 pounds of excess weight can reduce the force placed on the knees by approximately 40 pounds with every step, significantly reducing pressure on the joint.

Regular exercise may also help protect knee health rather than damage it. Strengthening the thigh muscles, especially the quadriceps, can improve joint support and reduce pain, while physical activity helps maintain mobility and overall function.

Diet may play an additional role in managing symptoms. Eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting processed and sugary foods can support overall health and may help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

For people already living with knee osteoarthritis, treatment options include exercise therapy, knee braces, anti-inflammatory medications, injections and, in severe cases, knee replacement surgery. Treatment plans should be tailored to each individual’s symptoms and needs.

Experts emphasize that family history does not determine a person’s future. Although genetics can increase susceptibility to osteoarthritis, healthy lifestyle habits and early preventive measures may help reduce the risk and preserve knee function over time.

REFERENCE: Siteman Cancer Center. "Knee osteoarthritis isn’t inevitable — here’s what you can do." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 August 2026; https://siteman.washu.edu/preventing-osteoarthritis/