How is osteoarthritis related to aging?

Aging does not cause osteoarthritis by itself, but the changes that take place in cells and joints as we age allow osteoarthritis to develop more easily. Gout, repetitive trauma associated with jobs or other physical activities, and metabolic disorders are often associated with osteoarthritis.

Aging can influence the choice of treatments for osteoarthritis, since certain classes of pain relievers have adverse effects that can disproportionately affect older adults. For example, drugs such as ibuprofen, which belong to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, can produce kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and rarely, central nervous system and personality changes.

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