Arthritis is a medical term that is used to describe a hundred different conditions, which typically affect joints and accessibility. Dealing with the symptoms of arthritis can be quite difficult and in many cases, the disease can affect people quite differently.
Despite there being over a hundred types of arthritis, the most common type is osteoarthritis, which is related to joint use and damage. Of the different types of arthritis, around 10 different types of arthritis make up the overwhelming majority of reported cases.
While age is one factor that increases the risk for arthritis, there are a number of different risk factors that can be related to arthritis.
Occupation and Injury
One of the largest risks of developing arthritis, especially later in life, is previous injuries and excessive wear and tear on the joints. This is one reason that professional athletes, especially those that participate in high risk sports, like football or soccer, as well as farmers, are at an increased risk for developing arthritis.
The risk is highest for osteoarthritis, which is a type of degenerative arthritis, but other types of arthritis can also develop when the body is injured.
Ultimately, whenever a joint has been injured, the risk for developing arthritis there is significantly increased. Those who preform regular high impact sports or exercises, as well as constant repetitive movements are also at an increased risk for developing arthritis.
Genetic Factors and Age
Many people associate arthritis with age, as it is more common among those who are over fifty-five, however those of all ages can develop arthritis. However, due to joints wearing down and other medical conditions, the risk for arthritis increases with age and is more common among the elderly.
Other factors, such as gender and genetic makeup are also risk factors of arthritis, with the disease being more common in women. In some cases, genes are also passed down from relatives that increase the risk for developing arthritis.
Heath and Lifestyle Choices
Other factors, such as smoking and general health also increase the risk for developing arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is a type of autoimmune disorder, has been shown to be more common in those who smoke.
Obesity is also a major risk factor in osteoarthritis, which is known as wear and tear arthritis and is most common in weight bearing joints. Those that are overweight are at a much higher risk to develop this type of arthritis.
This is one reason that staying active is so important to those with arthritis. Regular safe low impact exercises can help strengthen joints and reduce the amount of stress put on the affected joints, which can have a major impact on arthritis pain, as well as reducing the risk of developing certain types of arthritis later in life.
Reducing the Risk of Arthritis
Often, the effects of arthritis can be largely minimized, by making safe and healthy lifestyle choices. Avoiding dangerous sports, which are high impact and can increase the risk for osteoarthritis, is a good idea, especially for those who are already at an increased risk for developing arthritis. Staying healthy and active is also very important, especially for those who are overweight.
These sorts of choices can often help to reduce the risk of developing arthritis, although it is important to keep in mind that some risk factors can not be avoided, like those related to genes.