Understanding the Causes of Arthritis and How to Avoid It

As you get older, you might start to notice more aches and pains in your joints. It could be taking longer to bounce back from a tough workout, or you might hear some cracking and clicking when you move your joints. For many people, these are signs of the wear and tear that comes with aging, and they can be quite painful.

What Is Arthritis?

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Arthritis is a disease that damages the joints and causes stiffness, cracking, tenderness, and pain. In severe cases, the joints can become inflamed, swollen, and even deformed. While some forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis, can occur at younger ages, it is most common after the age of 50.

What Causes Arthritis?

Lifestyle factors, injuries, genetics, infections, and immune system dysfunctions can all contribute to the development of various types of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 47 percent of people over 65 years old have arthritis, and it affects 26 percent of people between the ages of 45 and 65.

What Are the Risk Factors for Arthritis?

Arthritis can be a normal part of aging, but it can also be caused by other factors such as being female, being an athlete, having physically demanding jobs, smoking, genetics, and excess weight.

What Are Common Types of Arthritis?

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Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage between the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joint lining.

Gout, another type of arthritis, is characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to severe pain and inflammation.

To learn more about arthritis and how to prevent it, visit Discover Magazine.