Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative disease, and its condition tends to worsen with age. The pathogenesis of OA is complex, and many risk factors can lead to the occurrence of OA. Iron is one of the essential trace elements in the body, and its metabolic balance is extremely important to human health. Iron overload is closely related to the occurrence and development of OA. Excessive iron deposition in joint tissue can easily lead to lesions of articular cartilage and synovium, as well as affect subchondral bone reconstruction and lead to the occurrence of OA. The author reviewed the relevant research literature in recent years, and reviewed the mechanism of iron overload in the occurrence and development of OA, in order to provide new ideas and directions for the research and diagnosis and treatment of OA.