Women’s osteoarthritis is one of the world’s leading joint diseases. Osteoarthritis is an illness in which protective cartilage, which is found in joints, breaks down. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. Women can develop osteoarthritis, but research shows that women have a higher chance of developing it. Women experience more pain and more severe symptoms than men.
Here, we will look at why women are more likely to develop this condition. We will examine biological, hormonal, lifestyle, and social explanations for osteoarthritis in women.
Osteoarthritis in Simple Terms
Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease. It happens when the cartilage that acts as a cushion between bones breaks down with age. Without the cushioning effect, bones grind against bones. This causes pain, stiffness, and typically limited movement.
It is most commonly seen in knees, hips, hands, and the back. The condition can exacerbate in most women over age 40 or during menopause. This makes it a prevalent health condition in middle-aged and older women.
Biological Differences
One of the biggest reasons osteoarthritis happens more frequently in women lies in biology. Women’s bodies differ from men’s bodies, particularly regarding bone structure and joint placement.
Wider hips: Women naturally have wider hips to accommodate childbirth. This alters the knee angle, with more stress placed on the knees. The greater stress will ultimately result in osteoarthritis.
Puny muscles: Women typically have less muscle mass across the body than men do. Well-developed muscles provide cushioning to joints by minimising joint stress. Without more muscle, women’s joints receive greater stress.
Joint flexibility: Women are more flexible in the joints. Though this facilitates movement, at times it makes joints loose and susceptible to injury.
Hormonal Factors
Hormones are also the major reason contributing most significantly to joint health. The predominant female hormone is estrogen, which functions to support cartilage and bone strength. When women enter menopause, estrogen levels significantly decrease. This shift elevates the likelihood of osteoarthritis in women.
Women will begin to exhibit symptoms of osteoarthritis at menopause, according to most studies. Estrogen will strip the cartilage and make it smaller and less elastic. The joints become increasingly prone to wear and tear.
Age and Osteoarthritis
Age is also a consideration. Osteoarthritis is age-related. Women get it at an earlier age than men. Joint pain and joint stiffness become evident by age 50 in the majority of women.
Once women reach menopause, the danger is even higher. It is for this reason that physicians like to take age as well as hormonal changes into account when diagnosing osteoarthritis in females.
Weight and Joint Stress
Overweight is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis. Knees bear most of the body’s weight. Every additional kilogram puts additional stress on joints. Women are more likely to gain weight during midlife, particularly after childbearing and menopause.
Excess weight raises the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. Studies show that weight control can reduce symptoms and slow joint degeneration.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy causes many changes to a woman’s body. The body produces hormones that relax ligaments in preparation for labour. It is essential, but sometimes it will also lead to joints being more susceptible to instability.
Pregnancy weight gain also adds extra stress to the hips and knees. These cumulative changes will cause osteoarthritis in women down the line.
Lifestyle and Physical Activity
The risk of osteoarthritis also varies with everyday activities. Some women work at home and outside, both of which stress joints, including bending, lifting, and repetitive motion.
Home tasks: Squatting, kneeling, and frequent heavy lifting can impact hands and knees.
Shoes: The high-heeled shoe, a fashion choice for women, stresses the knees and back. Every day use contributes to the risk of joint distress.
Physical fitness: Exercise is okay, but too much use of the joints or not incorporating strength training may result in joint strain. Women may also avoid strength exercises, making joints unsafe.
Genetics and Family History
Genetics play a role too. If the woman’s mother or grandmother had osteoarthritis, she is more likely to develop osteoarthritis. This familial connection is greater in women than in men.
Certain patterns of genes are recognised by some studies as having an impact on cartilage repair. When cartilage repair is not satisfactory, cartilage wears away more quickly, and osteoarthritis sets in earlier.
Pain Sensation and Reporting
A surprising fact is that women perceive more pain than men, even with equal joint destruction. Scientists think women’s nervous systems are more sensitive to pain stimuli. Endocrine differences may also influence perception and tolerance to pain.
This is perhaps one of the reasons why female osteoarthritis seems to be more serious in women. The sensitivity to pain increases and makes it hard to cope with symptoms despite the same physical damage.
Social and Emotional Factors
Osteoarthritis is more than just a physical condition. It also affects a person’s mental and emotional health. Women can juggle many more responsibilities, family obligations, as well as work. Chronic pain due to osteoarthritis can get in the way of daily functioning.
Research indicates that women are at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety if they have chronic pain. Emotional distress can worsen pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.
Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Women
Although women are at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis, several treatments for the disease exist. Lifestyle change and early detection are highly essential.
Some of the positive actions are:
Exercise regularly: Exercise such as walking, yoga, and swimming keeps joints healthy and muscles strong.
Ideal weight: This minimises hip and knee wear and tear.
Diet: Consuming food that is calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 rich keeps joints healthy.
Correct footwear: Cushioned shoes minimise wear and tear on joints.
Muscle building: Muscle building postpones wear and tear on joints.
Stress reduction: Relaxation, meditation, or deep breathing minimises perceived pain.
Routine health check-ups: Visiting the doctor assures early diagnosis and treatment at the appropriate time.
Last Word
Many people suffer from osteoarthritis, but it impacts more women than men. Reasons for disease are biology, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, lifestyle, and heredity. It is not just a physical effect, but an emotional one as well, for which reason the condition is a disorder and must be treated without much complacency.
By recognising these risk factors, the effects of osteoarthritis in women can be minimised, helping to save their joints. Healthy lifestyles, proper exercise, and early consultation with the physician can work miracles.
Although osteoarthritis cannot be prevented at all times, it can be properly controlled. Awareness and action can lead to healthy, active living despite the limitation of joint pain.
At Verdant Ayurveda, we combine ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with personalised care to support women in managing osteoarthritis naturally and holistically. Discover balance, strength, and lasting relief with our tailored wellness programs – visit Verdant Ayurveda
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