Arthritis Causes & Risk Factors

What Are the Causes?

The primary causes of arthritis include viruses, bacterial infections, injuries, autoimmune disorders, and old age. There are over one hundred different types of arthritis, and each of these types result from a different cause. Arthritis can affect large joints and small joints.

In general, degenerating cartilage is responsible for arthritis. Cartilage separates the bones and joints and facilitates movement. During routine activities, your bones experience pressure. Cartilage protects you from the wear and tear that this pressure causes. Over time, this cartilage becomes damaged or wears down.

Osteoarthritis is the type of arthritis that results from old age and normal wear and tear, affecting larger joints including the back, hip, and knee. The pain will begin as minor and become stronger over time. Your weight and previous injury can affect the severity of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs because the body's immune system attacks its own joint lining and cartilage. The reason for this condition is unknown, and it can affect both children and adults. The most commonly affected joints include the fingers, knees, wrists, toes, and elbows. Within a few years, these body parts can degenerate and become deformed.

Who's at Risk?

People who place stress on their joints, cartilage, and ligaments are at risk. This stress can result from an underlying condition or from physical activity and injury. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are related to genetics, so a family history of rheumatoid arthritis is a strong risk factor.

Women above the age of 65 are at high risk of developing osteoarthritis as a result of low bone density (note: osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are two separate conditions. Osteoporosis is a disease that lowers bone density and increases risk of bone fractures).

People who are overweight have a high risk of developing arthritis since excess weight places stress on the bones. If you are overweight, your arthritis can become more severe, and it can worsen quickly.

Bacterial and viral infections can cause arthritis to develop or worsen. Certain infections can cause the cartilage between the bones to degenerate. Broken bones can also cause arthritis to develop, even if you broke the bone many years ago. Repetitive motions can cause arthritis to develop. Many athletes, dancers, and people who work in industries that require manual labor are likely to develop arthritis. Some people can even develop arthritis from typing for extended periods of time.