Arthritis is one of the health problems that leads to the disability of most people in their 50s. This disease, which refers to a hundred painful conditions, usually affects the joints and bones. It is primarily characterized by pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the joints. According to scientists, it is is caused by a lot of factors, but it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause of an arthritis-related condition. Some causes are still unknown today.
Aging is the most well-known cause. The older a person gets, the more prone he or she is to arthritis. Why? The cartilage in the joints gets more brittle with age. As time passes by, the cartilage succumbs to wear and tear just like the tires of a car. The cartilage may wear down as a result of cracking or thinning. Also, this cartilage cannot be restored once it is damaged. Worse, bones may deteriorate over time, causing severe joint pain and malfunction.
Genetics or heredity is another major contributor to arthritis problems. People who have genes associated with certain kinds of arthritis are more likely to develop the problem. For example, chances are high if you have the genetic marker HLA-DR4, which is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can also trigger certain forms of the disease. Infectious arthritis usually occurs following a bone infection, trauma, surgery, or needle inserted into the joint. If you often experience gout (pain and swelling of the big toe) or septic joint (infection of the joint), then you might develop a problem with your joints.
Excessive use of joints is also one of the usual causes. That is why people who put heavy strain on their joints such as tennis players and ballerinas are more prone than others. Also, baseball players who throw fastballs at over 100 miles per hour usually experience joint problems of the elbow or shoulder.
The risk of getting arthritis is higher for construction workers and assembly line workers than those working in other industries. It is because these workers are exposed to tremendous and repetitive physical strains on a daily basis.
If you got an injury of the joint from playing sports or a car accident, chances are you may develop arthritis of the affected joint.
