In addition, an overview of studies that have taken place in low-income

countries since 1983 estimated the one-week prevalence of knee pain in people 15 years and over to be 14% (Davatchi 2006), whereas the point prevalence of knee pain in our cohort was substantially higher at 25% (95% CI 20 to 30). A possible explanation for the high prevalence of knee pain found in our study may be the large amount of squatting and lifting (Cozzensa da Silva et al 2007) and climbing up and down steep terrain that was observed. Previous studies have suggested that squatting and excessive loading on the knee over long periods is a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (Hurwitz et al 2000, selleck screening library Miyazaki et al 2002, Tangtrakulwanich et al 2007). Stair climbing has been shown to generate high forces and torques in the patellofemoral joint, increasing

the risk of painful osteoarthritis in this joint (Hunter et al 2007). Similarly, a study in China found a 4% higher age-adjusted prevalence of knee pain in people living in multi-storey buildings without elevators compared with those living in single-story buildings (p < 0.01) ( Zeng et al 2005). Dietary deficiencies may also explain the high prevalence of knee pain. Kashin-Beck disease, which causes restriction of movement and joint deformity, is endemic to Tibet and associated with low socioeconomic status, poor diet, and iodine deficiency (Suetens et al 2001, Yang et al 2002). Rickets (Vitamin D and calcium deficiency in children), which often results in substantial varus malalignment of

selleck the knee (Cerejo et al 2002), is also common in this region, and may contribute to the presence of knee pain (Harris et al 2001). Another factor contributing to the high prevalence of knee pain could simply be the lack of access to health care. For example, knee replacement surgery for severe knee osteoarthritis is not an option in rural Tibet. Consistent with reports from other Asian and low-income countries, isothipendyl this study found a higher knee-to-hip pain ratio than that found in high-income countries (Davatchi 2006, Nevitt et al 2002). The ratio was 3.6:1 in this Tibetan population and 4.7:1 in the overview of studies in low-income countries since 1983 (Davatchi 2006). In contrast, the ratio ranged from only 1.4:1 to 2:1 in Hungary and the UK (Dawson et al 2003, Horvath et al 2006, Urwin et al 1998). The lower prevalence of hip pain relative to knee pain in the rural Tibetan population may be due to a lower prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Perthes disease, and obesity (Lau et al 1995). While spending hours squatting is thought to be a risk factor for chronic knee pain, it has also been hypothesised that it may protect against hip pain in Asian countries (Lau et al 1995).