In a previous report by Science Times earlier this month, it featured a new technology that could possibly replace the worn-out or damaged cartilage in the knees. Approximately, more than 790,000 knee replacements are carried out in the United States every year.
The new artificial cartilage could last for a couple of decades compared to the ones being used today. However, the researchers of this new technology are still testing it and could take three years before it gets approved. And as knee osteoarthritis becomes more common, experts have identified the jobs that may lead to one.
Top jobs that are tough on your knees
Researchers reviewed 71 studies that involved almost one million workers and revealed the riskiest occupations for the knees included agriculture, construction, mining, service jobs, and housekeeping. Additionally, jobs that require excessive kneeling squatting, standing, lifting and climbing the stairs also increase the risks of knee pain.
The researchers came from the University of Sydney, University of Oxford and Southampton. They found that carpenters, bricklayers and floor installers are three times more likely to have knee osteoarthritis than the sedentary workers.
While farmers have 64% higher chances of having the condition, slightly higher than the 63% for carpenters and builders, additionally, housekeepers also have 93% increased risks for knee osteoarthritis.
But there are jobs also that are kinder to the knees. Those workers in commerce, forestry, fishing, machine industries, plumbing, electricians, technicians and postal workers have a lower risk for developing knee osteoarthritis, according to their study.
Osteoarthritis: A disease of ageing
"Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of loss of work and disability worldwide and can necessitate invasive surgery including total knee replacement, so preventing occupational hazards is critical," said senior study author Dr David Hunter in a news release from the University of Sydney.
According to a New York orthopedic surgeon, when the cartilage deteriorates, and bone comes into contact with the bone it develops osteoarthritis which causes pain and swelling in the area affected. Moreover, it also limits the function and changes a person's lifestyle.
Dr. Jeffrey Schildhorn of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City said that there could be a genetic component and a lifestyle component in explaining the cause of osteoarthritis. But one of the biggest risk factors is being overweight or obese. "I've seen arthritis in every walk of life," Schildhorn said.
Osteoarthritis is a disease of ageing, Schildhorn added. It is not surprising that many people are suffering from it and that the number of joint replacements is increasing because more people are living longer. However, there is no miracle cure for the condition.
Since cartilage has no regenerative ability, it makes it harder to deal with. Schildhorn suggested that the best way to prevent the condition is to eat well and avoid becoming overweight. He added that doing stretches, exercises, or yoga will help keep the joints limber.
Treatment for osteoarthritis can include pain medications and physical therapy. A knee replacement may be needed when these methods don't work.
"Osteoarthritis is mechanical wear and tear," he said. No treatment is going to work out, and it has nothing to do with the lifestyle or job. But employers can help prevent it by providing physical therapy and teaching workers the proper way to do their jobs with less stress on the knees.
