Arthritis has many kinds, and it affects tissues and joints. Knowing the arthritis risk factors can help people find remedies and reduce their pain. These include genetic predisposition, age, gender, lifestyle choices, and previous joint injuries.
By identifying arthritis risk factors early on, individuals can take proactive steps toward minimizing their impact through targeted interventions and lifestyle adjustments.
Don’t let arthritis slow you down. At Momentum Medical, we’re committed to helping you manage your arthritis effectively.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our specialists and start your journey towards a pain-free life.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that happens when joints wear and tear, and then inflammation occurs. It is characterized by swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. The main symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with age.
What Is Arthritis Caused By?
A single factor does not cause arthritis. It’s a complex condition that can be triggered by a variety of causes. Some arthritis risk factors include:
Genetic Factors
If you have a medical history of family members having arthritis, then the possibility is high. Addressing the issue at an early stage can minimize complications.
Age Factor
Arthritis affects all ages, as arthritis has many classifications. Osteoarthritis is common among older people, as this condition is caused by cartilage wearing off due to old age. As the body ages, the cartilage deteriorates too. Hereditary arthritis can affect younger people.
Previous Injuries
One significant contributing factor to arthritis is the age of your injuries. Damages done to your joints can worsen as you age, as the flexibility of the joints has already worn off by that time.
Infections or Underlying Diseases
Certain infections or underlying diseases, such as psoriasis or lupus, can lead to specific types of arthritis.
Arthritis Risk Factors You Can Control
While certain risk factors, such as age, genetics, and gender, are beyond our control, we can manage several lifestyle-related factors to reduce the risk or slow the progression of arthritis.
- Overweight and Obesity
- Extra weight significantly increases the pressure on joints. This is especially true for the knees, hips, and spine. They bear most of our body weight.
- When these joints carry extra pounds, they wear out faster. Think of it like a car overloaded with heavy items. The tires will wear out quicker.
What You Can Do To Combat Arthritis Risk Factors:
Losing weight is recommended to prevent the joints from carrying too much pressure. Having the right weight can lessen the inflammation of your arthritis.
- Infection
An infection can worsen arthritis symptoms because it causes the body to react more strongly and produce inflammation.
What You Can Do:
Treating underlying issues can aid in relieving the pain caused by arthritis and other illnesses.
- Joint Injuries
If you make a mistake when playing sports, your joints and cartilage are likely to sustain damage. Because the damage is in the cartilage and joints, arthritis may develop as a result.
What You Can Do:
Rehabilitating your joints after an injury sustained while participating in sports can restore joint functionality. Not addressing them immediately can worsen the inflammation and arthritis, making it harder to repair the damaged joints and cartilage.
- Occupation
In most jobs, routine means performing the same tasks nearly every day. Joint strain may result from the actions taken. Over time, this stress can lead to wear and tear, damaging these areas.
What You Can Do:
When working, adjustments to reduce the same position and action can solve the problem.
- Smoking
Smoking is one of the factors that causes the body’s immune system to react. When this happens, the body creates unnecessary inflammation that can damage joints eventually. Because cigarettes contain toxic ingredients, the body responds to them.
What You Can Do:
The best solution to avoid smoking from triggering your arthritis is to quit. If you stop, the progression of diseases decreases.
Treating and Managing Arthritis
Whether you like it or not, a person is more likely to develop arthritis if there is a family history.
Physical Therapy
- In treating arthritis, physical therapy can be the number one solution as it involves joints. Some exercises can strengthen the joints as well as the muscles. These types of exercises target the stiffness caused by arthritis and bring back the functionality of the joint.
- Physical therapists also recommend exercises that can be incorporated into the patient’s daily routine so they can regularly do the exercise and improve their condition.
Medications
- Medications play a crucial role in controlling arthritis symptoms. They range from over-the-counter options to prescription drugs. The main goal is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Medication is needed for arthritis patients; this will help decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Over-the-counter drugs and medicines prescribed by the physician are both available for them.
Common medications include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Each medication type has its specific use case, depending on the form and severity of the arthritis.
Surgery
If medication fails to address the condition of patients with arthritis, then surgery will be recommended by the doctor. Surgery can help restore function in the affected area, relieving patients of discomfort.
There are several types of surgeries for arthritis, including:
- Joint replacement (arthroplasty)
- Synovectomy
- Osteotomy
The choice depends on factors like age, overall health, and which joint is affected.
Final Thoughts
While arthritis may be a chronic condition, knowledge is power. Understanding arthritis risk factors and embracing proactive measures can significantly impact your arthritis journey.
Remember:
Early intervention plays a crucial role in managing arthritis. Identifying arthritis risk factors early on allows you to make lifestyle changes and effectively manage the condition.
Momentum Medical is here for you. Our dedicated team of specialists offers comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Don’t let arthritis slow you down: With the right approach, you can live an active and fulfilling life despite the diagnosis.
FAQS
What are the risk factors for developing arthritis?
Genetic susceptibility to specific types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) and aging, which increases joint wear and tear and the risk of osteoarthritis, are examples of non-modifiable risks.
What is the cause of arthritis?
As mentioned earlier, arthritis can be triggered by many factors, including age, joint injuries, genetic factors, and even how people live their lives.
What is the most significant rheumatoid arthritis risk factor?
It depends on what triggers the body, as an individual is exposed to different triggers. Genetics, however, can play a significant role in the possibility of people getting arthritis, as this is an uncontrollable factor.
Contact Momentum Medical today to discuss your arthritis risk factors, prevention, and treatment options.