While osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem for those over 50 years of age, certain professions have a higher risk of developing knee OA than others.

Jobs that require frequent lifting, bending, or crawling, such as those in construction, plumbing, or flooring, can put a great deal of pressure on the knees and lead to damage. Here are 10 professions that have a higher incidence of knee osteoarthritis:.

1. Construction Workers

Construction workers are frequently lifting and carrying heavy objects and working on their knees. Over time, this work can lead to a gradual wearing down of the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to OA.

Many construction workers also experience knee injuries, which can increase their risk of developing OA even further.

2. Plumbers

Like construction workers, plumbers spend a lot of time crawling on their knees. They may also frequently carry heavy pipes and other materials, which can put additional strain on knee joints.

As with construction workers, plumbers are also at risk of knee injuries, which can increase their likelihood of developing OA later on.

3. Flooring Installers

Flooring installers frequently spend long periods of time kneeling on hard surfaces, which can wear down the knee joints over time. They may also carry heavy tools and materials, which can put additional strain on the knees.

As with other professions on this list, knee injuries are also common among flooring installers, which can further increase their risk of developing OA later on in life.

4. Landscapers

Landscapers spend a lot of time on their knees, planting and digging in gardens and other outdoor spaces. They may also frequently carry heavy tools and materials, which can put additional strain on the knees.

As with other professions on this list, knee injuries are also common among landscapers, which can increase their likelihood of developing OA later on in life.

5. Agriculture and Farming

Agriculture and farming professionals frequently spend time bending over in fields and lifting heavy items. They may also spend long periods of time on their knees, planting and maintaining crops.

All of these activities can put excessive strain on the knee joint, leading to OA over time.

6. Nurses and Caregivers

Nurses and caregivers spend a lot of time on their feet, which can cause knee pain and discomfort. They may also spend time lifting and moving patients, which can put additional strain on the knees.

As with other professions on this list, knee injuries are also common among nurses and caregivers, which can increase their risk of developing OA later on in life.

7. Electricians

Electricians frequently work in tight spaces, which can cause them to repeatedly bend their knees. They may also frequently carry heavy tools and materials, which can put additional strain on the knees.

As with other professions on this list, knee injuries are also common among electricians, which can increase their likelihood of developing OA later on in life.

8. Mechanics

Mechanics spend a lot of time working on cars, which frequently requires them to be on their knees. They may also frequently carry heavy tools and materials, which can put additional strain on the knees.

As with other professions on this list, knee injuries are also common among mechanics, which can increase their risk of developing OA later on in life.

9. Waiters and Bartenders

Waiters and bartenders spend a lot of time on their feet, which can cause knee pain and discomfort. They may also frequently lift and carry heavy trays, which can put additional strain on the knees.

As with other professions on this list, knee injuries are also common among waiters and bartenders, which can increase their likelihood of developing OA later on in life.

10. Professional Athletes

Professional athletes frequently put a great deal of strain on their knees, as they are often required to jump, pivot, and run while playing their sport. This constant strain can lead to damage to the knee joint, which can eventually lead to OA.

Conclusion

Overall, those in professions that require repetitive bending, lifting, and crawling are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis over time.

It is important for individuals in these professions to take steps to protect their knee health, such as using proper lifting techniques, taking breaks when necessary, and wearing supportive footwear. Additionally, seeking early treatment for knee injuries can also help reduce the risk of developing OA later on in life.