Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in Spain and one of the leading causes of chronic pain and loss of autonomy in people over 65. Faced with a family diagnosis, it is natural to wonder if the same will happen to you.
How hereditary is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis does not behave like a classic genetic disease. There is no single "osteoarthritis gene" that is passed down from parents to children like eye color. What is inherited is a predisposition, a terrain that is more or less favorable for the disease to develop if other factors coincide.
Studies in twins and families estimate that the hereditary component accounts for between 35% and 65% of the total risk. For knee osteoarthritis, heritability is estimated at around 40%; for hip and spine osteoarthritis, the genetic component may be somewhat higher.
| Type of osteoarthritis | Joint | Estimated heritability |
|---|---|---|
| Spondylarthrosis | Spine | ~70% |
| Rhizarthrosis / hand osteoarthritis | Hands | 39–65% (up to 87% in recent studies) |
| Coxarthrosis | Hip | ~60% |
| Gonarthrosis | Knee | ~40% |
| Global (estimated average) | All | 50% or more |
Table based on the review by Spector & MacGregor "Risk factors for osteoarthritis: genetics." Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2004)
This means that at least 35–65% of the risk depends on non-genetic factors, that is, factors that can be modified.
What is inherited:
- Characteristics of the cartilage tissue (quality and resistance of collagen)
- Joint alignment and bone morphology
- Predisposition to chronic inflammation
- Propensity for being overweight (which overloads the joints)
There is currently no specific genetic test that predicts with certainty whether someone will develop osteoarthritis.
How can you prevent osteoarthritis?
The risk factors you can act on carry as much or more weight than genetics:
- Overweight and obesity: This is the most powerful modifiable factor. Every extra kilo multiplies the pressure on the knees and hips. Losing weight is one of the most effective documented interventions.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A Cochrane review shows that exercise improves pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis. Low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling, Pilates) is especially recommended.
- Repeated joint strain: Jobs with repetitive movements, sustained poor posture, and excessive loads increase joint wear.
- Previous injuries: A joint injury that is not treated correctly accelerates the degenerative process.
- Diet: A Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamin C helps keep joint tissue in better condition.
Are supplements like collagen useful for preventing osteoarthritis?
There is scientific debate on this subject. Some meta-analyses suggest that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation can improve pain and joint stiffness, especially in knee osteoarthritis. However, the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) does not recommend its use, and the EFSA notes that a clear cause-effect relationship cannot be established. The combination with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C appears to have better results.
