Determining the causes of arthritis can be difficult, if not impossible because often there are several factors which contribute to an individual developing this common problem.
While there is no determined exact cause of Arthritis, the following are known to be common factors in the causes of arthritis.
- Genetics
Exactly how much heredity or genetics contributes to the cause of arthritis is not well understood at this point, however there are likely genetic variations that can contribute to the cause of arthritis. - Age
As you age your cartilage becomes more brittle and has less of a capacity to repair itself. Depending on their level of activity throughout their lives, as people grow older they are more likely to develop arthritis. - Weight
Joint damage is partly dependent on the load the joint has to support, therefore excess body weight can lead to arthritis. This is especially true of the hips and knees that can be worn quickly in heavier patients. - Previous Injury
Joint damage can cause irregularities in the normal smooth joint surface. Previous major injuries can be part of the cause of arthritis. - Occupational Hazards
Workers in specific occupations seem to have a higher risk of developing arthritis than other jobs such as assembly line workers and heavy construction. - Some High-Level Sports
It is difficult to determine how much sports participation contributes to development of arthritis however research has shown that sports participation can lead to joint injury and subsequent arthritis. It should be noted that the benefits of physical activity greatly outweigh any risk of arthritis. - Illness or Infection
People who experience a joint infection (septic joint), multiple episodes of gout, or other medical conditions, have a higher chance to develop arthritis of the joint.
