Arthritis is a chronic and sometimes disabling disease. There are over 100 forms of arthritis that can affect any area in the body. Some forms have risk factors that cannot be controlled while others have risk factors that can be modified to help reduce the symptoms and disabilities that can result. The ability to modify arthritis risk factors can help in the management of the two most common forms, which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Age
Osteoarthritis tends to occur in those over age 40 states MayoClinic.com. With normal wear and tear the cartilage between the bones in the joint begins to wear away. If participating in high impact activities was common in earlier years this degenerative process may occur faster. While rheumatoid arthritis which is an inflammatory disease can strike children and young adults it is more common in those between ages 30 and 50.
Gender and Genetics
Women prove more likely to get both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis states the Arthritis Foundation. However when it comes to men rheumatoid arthritis tends to become more severe. Both rheumatoid and osteoarthrits seem to run in the family. However a family history of either condition does not mean it is inevitable.
Weight
According to the John's Hopkins Arthritis Center, obesity can increase the risk of osteoarthritis especially in the knee. While the exact relationship requires further investigation, it may indicate that the extra weight places excessive force on the joints, which may speed the degenerative process. Even small weight loss achieved through participating in 30 minutes of moderate level exercise on most days of the week can help to make the risk lower.
Smoking
The National Institutes of Health states that a link may exist between heavy smoking or tobacco exposure and the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Tobacco may increase the production of rheumatoid factors and this appears to happen regardless of the existence of any other risk factors.
Trauma and Injuries
Any injuries sustained or accidents that cause trauma to a joint can increase the risk of arthritis. Injuries and accidents can cause damage to the cartilage and bones which can contribute to arthritis. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons claims that the bones can begin to develop spurs and the synovium or lining of the joint can become chronically inflamed. Overuse of the joints in certain occupations can also lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
- Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis Who is at Risk
- John's Hopkins Arthritis Center: Osteoarthritis Weight Management
- National Institutes of Health: Smoking and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Frequently Asked Questions about Osteoarthritis of the Knee
