Causes of Arthritis – Common Causes of Arthritis
When looking at the causes of arthritis, you need to look at the different forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually happens due to a breakdown in the cushioning between joints. Age is a major reason for osteoarthritis to develop. As a person goes through the normal actions of life, they move their joints. Over time, the cushioning breaks down and the cartilage and bones begin to wear away. Aging is one of the biggest causes of arthritis. Being overweight is another reason for osteoarthritis to develop. The additional weight breaks down the cartilage faster. Injuries are another of the common causes of arthritis.
Some causes of arthritis are not so clear. The actual cause of rheumatoid arthritis is currently unknown. Scientists know this autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to begin attacking the lining of certain joints. That creates the pain and inflammation that can gradually degrade the joints. What causes the body’s immune system to turn against itself is not clear. Some theories on the causes of arthritis include a genetic link, a potential infection, and an abnormal immune. Any of these causes of arthritis do not seem to be the same for every sufferer. That is why it has been difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
Gout is another form of arthritis that comes around as acute attacks of inflammation around certain joints. In this case, the causes of arthritis are identifiable. They include hyperuricemia caused by genetics, lifestyle, or certain medical conditions. Hyperuricemia is the term used to describe abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood. Genetics seems to play a part in over half of the cases of gout. Medical conditions can aggravate genetics. With those causes of arthritis, you treat the symptoms. Diet and medications can play a part in over 10% of cases. With those causes of arthritis, you have control.
Other forms of arthritis include lupus and psoriatic arthritis. When looking at causes of arthritis, lupus is one of those that fall into the category of unknown. It, like RA, is a form of autoimmune disorder. In the case of lupus, the immune system seems to attack various parts of the body, including joints. Psoriatic arthritis has no known cause either. When looking at causes of arthritis, this one seems to have some genetic link. As you can see, there are a myriad of causes of arthritis. Each one has its own set of potential causes.
