Final answer:
Several factors, including age, obesity, injury, and genetics, can double the risk of developing osteoarthritis, with age being the primary risk factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of a patient getting osteoarthritis (OA) can be doubled by several factors, such as age, obesity, injury, and genetics. Age is the primary risk factor, with evidence of osteoarthritis present in up to 80% of people by age 65. However, obesity significantly increases the risk due to additional stress on weight-bearing joints.
Joint injuries, like those from sports, can lead to premature osteoarthritis, and genetics play a crucial role too, as those with a family history of OA have a higher risk of developing the condition. It is important to note that while these factors do increase risk, they do not guarantee one will develop osteoarthritis.