Osteoarthritis is more common in women | Woman's Doctor

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and, as it turns out, it appears to favor women. Mercy Medical Center primary care physician Dr. Sabrina Barata said it's a misconception that it only applies to the older generation. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing down, over time, of cartilage, which cushions and protects bones. It most commonly affects hands, knees, hips and the spine. Barata said women need to pay attention to their weight because the more one carries, the more stress there is on the bones.