Arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people all over the world. There are many different types of arthritis, and the cause can vary from person to person.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 causes of arthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the cause and get started on treatment.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues around the joints, and other connective tissues. It causes extreme joint pain. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Arthritis can also lead to other health problems like heart disease and stroke.
Arthritis is not a respecter of age, sex, or race. It is the prevalent cause of disability among Americans over the age of 15. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.
Main Types Of Arthritis
There are many different types of arthritis.
1. Osteoarthritis
The most common type is osteoarthritis, a condition that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones in your joints. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear on joints over time. The breakdown of cartilage causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
The other major type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age but is most common in middle-aged adults. It is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the same joints on both sides of the body (such as wrists, hands, knees, feet, and ankles).
Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body such as the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis causes auto-inflammation. Often these conditions cause spondyloarthritis. The immune system in the human body is capable of causing painful swelling of joint and muscle tissue along with an inflammation-causing red flake called psoriasis. This condition can affect many parts of the body, namely knees and shoulders, elbows and back.
In some cases, there may be severe fatigue. DMARDs and biologic therapies are effective treatments for joint and bone inflammation. Various treatment methods are available for psoriasis including cream and medication.
Other types of arthritis include gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, and septic arthritis.
10 Causes Of Arthritis
There are many different causes of arthritis. Some of the most common include aging, joint injury, extra weight, infections, and genetics. Autoimmune diseases can also lead to arthritis. These conditions cause joint inflammation, which can eventually lead to joint pain and damage.
Here are 10 causes of arthritis:
1. Aging
As we age, our bodies begin to break down and wear out. This includes the cartilage in our joints, which can lead to arthritis. Statistically, individuals usually develop arthritis when they are in their 30s, 40s, and so on.
2. Joint Injuries
An injury to a joint, such as a fracture or dislocation, can increase your risk of developing arthritis later on. Joints that have been injured are more likely to develop arthritis later on. This is because damage to the cartilage can make it harder for the joint to repair itself. It also impairs joint function.
This usually leads to arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.
3. Extra Weight
Carrying extra weight puts added stress on our joints, which can lead to arthritis. The lack of healthy weight increases pressure on the joints and renders them weak. It also makes the joints more susceptible to degradation.
4. Infections And Arthritis
Certain infections can cause arthritis. It is commonly referred to as reactive arthritis. It is a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body.
The most common trigger for reactive arthritis is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract or gastrointestinal tract. However, other types of infections, such as viral infections, can also lead to the condition.
For example, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by ticks. This infection can lead to joint pain and joint infection, which can eventually turn into arthritis.
5. Family History
Research has shown that if you have family members with arthritis, you are more likely to develop the condition yourself. This is because family history plays a role in increasing your risk of developing arthritis.
6. Autoimmune Diseases
Arthritis can also be caused by autoimmune diseases. These are conditions where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake.
There are many different types of autoimmune diseases that can lead to arthritis. Some of the most common include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
These conditions cause inflammation in the affected joint, which can eventually lead to joint pain and joint stiffness.
7. Racial And Ethnic Factor
Arthritis is more likely to occur in certain racial and ethnic groups. For example, African Americans have a higher risk of having symptoms of arthritis than Caucasians. Hispanic Americans also have a higher risk of arthritis than non-Hispanic whites.
There are several factors that contribute to this increased risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
8. The Gender Factor
Women are also more likely to be affected by arthritis than men. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 23 percent of women over the age of 18 have arthritis, compared to just under 18 percent of men.
Although the reason is not really clear, hormonal changes may be the culprits for this.
9. Lifestyle And Arthritis
There are certain lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of developing arthritis. Smoking damages the cartilage in the joints, which can lead to arthritis. It also decreases the blood flow to the joints, which can further damage them. Heavy drinking is also a risk factor for arthritis. Alcohol can damage the liver, which can lead to inflammation and joint pain.
In addition, working in a job that involves repetitive motions can also lead to arthritis. Jobs that require you to do the same motions over and over again put added stress on the joints, which can eventually lead to arthritis.
10. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also contribute to the development of arthritis. For example, exposure to certain chemicals and toxins can increase your risk of developing the condition. These include solvents, pesticides, and lead that may cause skin diseases.
Final Thoughts
All of these are risk factors for arthritis. If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to take steps to reduce your risk. You can do this by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
While arthritis is a chronic disease, there are treatments available for managing arthritis. Treatments like pain medications can help to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
