Having excess iron in the blood can increase the risk of osteoarthritis (OA). Excessive iron in the blood is usually caused by a hereditary condition called hemochromatosis. The excess iron is deposited into the internal organs and joints, damaging both. The damage to the joints results in osteoarthritis.
Hemochromatosis is a potentially fatal condition that requires regular medical treatment. Once the disease is under control, the damage to the joints resulting in osteoarthritis can sometimes be repaired by surgery, according to one study.
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