Hi, i am an airline pilot , does sitting long hours and climbing airplane stairs daily worsen my knee osteoarthritis.

Possible: This is not out of the realm of possibility. Stairs and sitting prolonged periods cause some with osteoarthritis an increase in pain/stiffness/swelling etc. It does not necessarily make the arthritis itself worse but could be the cause of an increase in symptoms.

Yes it could: In short, it could: in severe cases.

May be: Sitting for a long time may predispose you for degenerative disease of joint , clot formation in the leg is another risk . I do not think climbing stair will cause any problem if you do not have already the disease . If at all , it is a helpful exercise . I recommend that your stretch your legs and walk around for few minute inflight if it is allowable by the regulations of your company . Good luck.

Not necessarily: Prolonged sitting and stairs will bring out patello-femoral pain due to arthritis but it will not cause it.

Stairs can: Sitting does not worsen oa. Stair climbing increases the shear forces and loading force and can increase pain.

No: Inactivity can increase knee pain and stiffness but will not cause a true progression of arthritic damage.

Depends: Depends on what you mean by "worsen." any activity can potentially cause increased pain when one has oa - however, pain does not mean that there is actual progression of the oa. Unfortunately, aging is the main factor that progresses oa, and we can't control that. Most evidence indicates that regular exercise/activity is good for joints, so stay active!

Yes and No: Knee osteoarthritis is common with older age. It is caused by "wear and tear" to the protective cushioning in your knees. Staying off your feet actually help decrease risk of "wear and tear." climbing airplane stairs, however, causes increased "wear and tear." however, climbing stairs is good exercise and can help prevent blood clots in your legs, which can occur with prolonged immobility/sitting.