Simple wear and tear from everyday life can lead to arthritis of the knee, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Other contributing factors may include heredity, previous trauma to the knees, age and weight. Women are more likely to develop arthritis of the knees than men, and athletes who participate in high-impact sports share a similar risk. Demographics notwithstanding, Synvisc injections may be the treatment the doctor recommends for OA of the knee.