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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is Osteo Arthritis hereditary?

    Related Topics
    Osteoarthritis Rheumatology
    Interested to find out about Osteo Arthritis? Is it hereditary?
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  • 48

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    Dr Doron Sher

    Orthopaedic Surgeon

    I am an Orthopaedic surgeon. The work that I do is designed to help you maintain your quality of life and restore you to your … View Profile

    Osteoarthritis is a condition of mulitifactorial aetiology in which aging, mechanical, genetic, humeral and cultural factors are known contributors. The natural history of Osteoarthritis is variable. It may remain asymptomatic or be associated with episodes of pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
    Once it starts it never stops but its progression can be slowed with appropriate intervention.
     

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  • 8

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    Anonymous

    I'm 64 year old woman who has osteoarthritis in my neck,spine,shoulders,hands,hips (had right hip replaced 13yrs ago), knees & toes. My mother & grand Aunty have both had hip replacements & suffer extensive osteoarthritis. My 40 yr old daughter has knee & hand pain. So I agree that part of the problem is hereditary. I don't believe it has much to do with lifestyle as my grand Aunty & I have never smoked, drank alcohol nor been drug takers. My mother & daughter do have the occasional drink.I take no medication except panadol. So much for Timothy Shakespeare's poor decision making & lifestyle choices theory. There are 5 generations alive in my family so we're a relatively healthy lot except for arthritis. 

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  • 11

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    Dr Timothy Shakespeare

    Chiropractor

    Chiropractor at Healing Wave Chiropractic Warners Bay, NSW 2282Executive Board Member of the Chiropractors Association of Australia“Your body has the Innate ability to self heal … View Profile

    No.
    It is wear and tear that occurs in damaged or dysfunctional discs and joints.
    Inflammation follows due to tissue damage and the approximation of joint surfaces.
    Just as the soles of your shoes wear more on the outer heel and toe if your foot is pronating when you walk, so too will discs that are excessively or incorrectly load bearing in your spine.

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  • 11

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    Dr Doron Sher

    Orthopaedic Surgeon

    I am an Orthopaedic surgeon. The work that I do is designed to help you maintain your quality of life and restore you to your … View Profile

    I'm afraid I don't understand how you can possibly say no to this.
    These are facts, not discussion points. They are well documented throughout the medical literature.
    Your description is correct for one part of the arthritic process but ignores several other aetiologies and unfortunately is too simplistic to cover the entire disease process.

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  • 5

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    Dr Timothy Shakespeare

    Chiropractor

    Chiropractor at Healing Wave Chiropractic Warners Bay, NSW 2282Executive Board Member of the Chiropractors Association of Australia“Your body has the Innate ability to self heal … View Profile

    Poor decision making and lifestyle choices are learned behaviours not hereditary. Just because your father has it does not mean you will get it.
    i can not comment on the rest of your understanding of my answer.

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  • 8

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    Dr Greg Sher

    Chiropractor

    I am the Clinic Director of the Sydney Spine and Sports Clinic.At our clinic, we see an equal mix of city office workers and elite … View Profile

    I agree with Dr Sher's answer - the actual cause  is often poorly understood, but it definitely has a genetic predisposition. 
    You could have a genetic scoliosis (curve in the spine), which is a known factor for developing Osteo Arthritis. Whether you display actual symptoms (pain, discomfort, stiffness etc) as also variable - some people have advanced degeneration, but never know they have a problem. 

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  • 3

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    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    The latest free-access paper that I can find showing that genetics *is* a risk factor for osteoarthritis  is here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22763110 

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  • 4

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    Skye Fitzpatrick

    Physiotherapist

    Experienced Physiotherapist with special interest in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation following joint replacement surgery (at home following discharge). Treatments are focused on increasing strength, mobility and function. … View Profile

    While genetics do add some increased risk of Osteo Arthritis the other factors mentioned by Doron & Timothy have a great impact on symptoms.
    Maintaining flexibility and strenght plus a healthy weight are great ways to reduce your genetic predisposition to developing this debilitating disease.
    It is possible to function normally by minimising the progress of degeneration in affected joints/areas.

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  • 5

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    Dr Ryan Hislop

    Chiropractor

    Ryan Hislop is the Clinical Director at the Orange Chiropractic Health and Wellness Centre. As an experienced and evidence-based diagnostician, Ryan works largely by medical … View Profile

    Thanks for your input Simon. A good read for professionals dealing in this area. 

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