Understanding: What is the most common age to get osteoarthritis?

Oct 16, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Orthopedics Healthy Aging

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 73% of people living with osteoarthritis are over 55 years old. This statistic underscores that while the risk increases with age, understanding the factors and timelines involved is critical for proactive joint care and management throughout the lifespan. While the perception persists that it is an inevitable part of aging, a large portion of the affected population is actually younger than 65. So, what is the most common age to get osteoarthritis? The answer is more complex than a single number, involving a spectrum of risk and onset that evolves throughout adulthood.

Quick Summary

The average age of diagnosis for osteoarthritis is around 50, but peak incidence for specific joints, particularly the knees, occurs slightly later, between 55 and 64 years old. The condition can manifest much earlier, especially following injuries or due to other risk factors like obesity, challenging the misconception that it's an issue limited to old age.

Key Points

Peak Incidence in 50s and 60s: While osteoarthritis can occur at any time, the highest annual incidence, especially for knee OA, is seen between 55 and 64 years of age.
Average Diagnosis Around Age 50: In some populations, the average age of diagnosis is around 50, with a large percentage of individuals receiving their diagnosis before age 45.
Not Just a Disease of the Elderly: More than half of all people living with symptomatic osteoarthritis are younger than 65, debunking the misconception that it only affects seniors.
Early Onset Linked to Other Factors: Young adults can develop OA due to prior joint injuries, obesity, genetics, and repetitive joint stress, not just aging.
Risk Varies by Age and Gender: While younger men may be more susceptible to OA, post-menopausal women experience a notable increase in prevalence, particularly in the knees.
Proactive Management is Key: Regardless of age, a proactive approach including exercise, weight management, and joint protection can help manage symptoms and slow progression.

Peak Incidence: Why the 50s and 60s Are Common

While anyone can develop osteoarthritis (OA), the annual incidence peaks between the ages of 55 and 64, especially for the knee joint. This is largely due to the cumulative effects of wear and tear, hormonal changes (particularly for women post-menopause), and the natural physiological changes of aging joints that increase susceptibility.

The Role of Cumulative Damage and Hormones

For many, the physical stresses and strains experienced over decades begin to take their toll on cartilage and surrounding joint tissues. Cartilage, the rubber-like cushion on the ends of bones, has a limited capacity for repair. Over time, as degradation outpaces repair, symptoms start to emerge. Additionally, studies have shown a significant increase in OA rates around age 50 in women, linked to menopausal hormonal shifts.

Osteoarthritis in Younger Adults: More Common Than Perceived

Despite the perception of OA as a disease of the elderly, a significant portion of those with the condition are under 65, with some individuals experiencing symptoms much earlier. Early-onset OA can often be traced back to other risk factors and is not just a result of the aging process.

Causes of Early Onset

Younger adults often develop OA due to factors other than typical aging. These include:

Joint Injuries: A history of joint trauma, such as an ACL tear or a fracture, significantly increases the risk of developing OA in the affected joint, often years or decades later.
Obesity: Excess weight puts greater stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees, causing cartilage to wear down more quickly.
Genetics: A family history of OA can predispose an individual to developing the condition at a younger age.
Repetitive Stress: High-impact activities or occupations involving repetitive joint movements can accelerate the wear-and-tear process.
Congenital Conditions: In rare cases, malformed joints or other congenital issues can lead to early cartilage breakdown.

The Impact of Age on Symptoms and Treatment

An individual's age can influence not only the onset of OA but also the severity and progression of symptoms, as well as the treatment approach.

Symptom Profile Differences

Research suggests that while younger and older adults with OA may experience similar levels of pain and fatigue, the impact on their overall well-being can differ. Younger adults often face a heavier mental health burden, reporting higher levels of life dissatisfaction compared to their older counterparts who may view it as an expected part of aging.

Lifelong Management vs. Later-Stage Treatment

For younger individuals, the focus is often on proactive, long-term management strategies to slow progression. This may include significant lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, and careful activity modification. In older adults, the focus may shift towards managing established symptoms and potentially considering surgical options like joint replacement when conservative treatments are no longer effective.

A Lifespan Approach to Osteoarthritis Prevention and Management

Because OA is a complex, multifactorial condition, a lifespan approach to prevention and management is most effective. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and strategies should be adapted based on age, risk factors, and disease progression.

Lifestyle Strategies Across Age Groups

In Youth: Focus on injury prevention during sports and high-impact activities. Using proper form and wearing protective gear are crucial.
In Middle Age: Emphasize maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular, low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling to strengthen muscles around joints.
In Later Life: Prioritize gentle movement and physical therapy to maintain mobility and muscle strength. Heat or cold therapy can help with pain and stiffness.

Comparing OA Risk Factors Across the Lifespan


Feature	Younger Adults (e.g., <45)	Older Adults (e.g., >55)
Primary Triggers	Joint injury, genetics, congenital issues, high-impact stress	Cumulative wear and tear, age-related tissue changes, hormonal shifts
Commonly Affected Joints	Knees, shoulders, hips, potentially from old injuries	Hands, knees, hips, and spine
Symptom Profile	Similar pain and severity, but higher relative impact on overall well-being	Pain and stiffness often perceived as normal, but severity can be high
Diagnostic Challenges	May be overlooked due to age and higher pain tolerance	Easier diagnosis with visible radiographic changes
Treatment Emphasis	Proactive, long-term management to slow progression; lifestyle changes, physical therapy	Symptom management, injections, pain relievers, and potential joint replacement

Conclusion: Age as a Guide, Not a Guarantee

While advanced age is undoubtedly the most prominent risk factor, understanding what is the most common age to get osteoarthritis involves recognizing that it's a condition with a broad and varied timeline. The average diagnosis around age 50 and the peak incidence in the late 50s and early 60s reflect typical degenerative patterns, yet early-onset cases driven by other factors are increasingly recognized. The takeaway is clear: OA is not an inevitable fate but a multifactorial condition that can be proactively managed. Whether you are young or old, focusing on joint protection, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active are key steps to preserving joint health for years to come. For more information, visit the CDC Arthritis website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. While less common, osteoarthritis can affect people under 40, often due to a prior joint injury, obesity, genetic predisposition, or high-impact athletic activity. This is known as early-onset OA.

Yes, obesity is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis. Excess weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints, like the hips and knees, which can lead to accelerated cartilage wear and an earlier onset of the condition.

Symptom severity and pain levels can be similar, but younger adults with OA often report a higher negative impact on their overall well-being and mental health compared to older adults, who may perceive it as an expected part of aging.

Yes. While OA can affect any joint, early-onset cases often impact areas with a history of injury, such as knees or shoulders. In older adults, the hands, knees, hips, and spine are most commonly affected due to accumulated wear.

No, it is a disease process, not an inevitable consequence of aging. While the risk increases with age due to physiological changes, many factors beyond age contribute to its development and progression. You do not have to live with the pain.

Early management is key. This typically involves proactive, long-term strategies like maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and working with a doctor or physical therapist to protect joints.

Yes, a family history of osteoarthritis is a non-modifiable risk factor. Genetic predispositions can make some individuals more susceptible to developing the condition.

Yes, there is. In individuals under 45, OA is more common in men. However, after age 45, it becomes more prevalent in women, especially after menopause.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.