A new research conducted at the Tehran Medical University in Iran has revealed that frequent cyclists and people who squat for longer periods of time are at an increased risk of developing arthritis in their knees.

Arthritis of the knee, or osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis to attack people. Usually catching up with people after they reach middle age, it occurs when joint cartilages are broken down.

Under the study, Dr. S. Dahaghin and colleagues compared 480 subjects who were already suffering from osteoarthritis and 490 subject who were arthritis free. It was revealed that individuals who spent for more 30 minutes a day squatting were at 1.5 times increased risk of developing arthritis of the knee. Also, people who cycled for more than 30 minutes daily were 2 times more exposed to the risk.

As has been proved by the study, overuse of a joint can increase arthritis risk. Researchers believe that people should be more aware about the damage they are doing to their joints while performing their normal, everyday jobs or while indulging in leisure activities.

"Education on preventable risk factors should be considered in order to ensure people use knee joints appropriately and avoid overuse", researchers concluded.