List of jobs linked to knee arthritis risk is published in leading journal

Stay-at-home parents, cleaners and blue-collar workers are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than people in many other professions, says a large analysis published in Arthritis Care and Research.

Data from almost one million people shows that agriculture workers, construction workers, miners, service workers, houseworkers and cleaners have a higher chance of knee arthritis. But occupations such as commerce, forestry, fishing, machine operators, plumbers, electricians, technicians and postmen were not found to be associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Activities that increase the risk are excessive kneeling, squatting, standing, lifting and climbing stairs.

“Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of loss of work and disability worldwide and can necessitate invasive surgery including total knee replacement, so preventing occupational hazards is critical,” says senior author, Prof David Hunter.

Arthritis Digest Magazine was selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 5 Arthritis Blogs on the internet in 2019.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.