Knee Cartilage Wear Affects 30-40% of People Over 45
The head of the Rheumatology department at Mongi Slim University Hospital in La Marsa, Ahmed Laatar, indicated that knee cartilage wear affects between 30 and 40% of people over 45 years old. During a awareness day organized at Mongi Slim University Hospital on this pathology, he specified that hereditary factors are among the main causes of cartilage wear. "Obesity and the increase in fat levels in the body also contribute to this degradation, through the secretion of substances that accelerate the destruction of cartilage cells," added Laatar. The specialist also emphasized that poor sitting positions, as well as prolonged sitting or standing, can affect the knee cartilage. He clarified that women are more exposed to this disease than men, beyond the effects of aging. "This is a pathology caused by the destruction of the cartilage that protects the knee bones, leading to pain, swelling, and joint difficulties," he explained. In total, 12 doctors participated in this awareness day, which targeted 87 people.
Key Points:
- Knee cartilage wear affects 30-40% of people over 45 years old
- Hereditary factors are among the main causes of cartilage wear
- Obesity and increased fat levels contribute to cartilage degradation
- Poor sitting positions and prolonged sitting or standing can affect knee cartilage
- Women are more exposed to this disease than men, beyond the effects of aging
- The pathology leads to pain, swelling, and joint difficulties due to the destruction of cartilage that protects the knee bones
