Arthritis is a condition that occurs when the protective cartilage of the joint wears or tears away, exposing the bare bone which causes pain, discomfort, and limited movement of the affected area.
Arthritis is usually developed by those over 50 years of age, and usually affects women. When an individual has arthritis, they usually experience pain due to the inflammation of the joints, which also causes stiffness, swelling, soreness, numbness, and tingling sensations. Sometimes it can lead to deformity and a very limited range of motion.
If the symptoms of arthritis are present, it is best to seek medical care from a health care professional. They will usually run tests by performing X-rays or MRI scans to assess the severity of the condition and to determine what treatment to use.
What causes arthritis exactly?
It has been difficult to pinpoint or determine exactly what causes arthritis since there are many factors that can contribute to the condition. Below is a list of possible factors to help us know what causes arthritis:
Heredity or Genetics - It is quite likely that a person can develop arthritis because of a defective gene that is responsible for the production of cartilage is present in the family's medical history which can be passed down from one generation to another.
Age - As one grows older, the protective cartilages surrounding the joints become more brittle and have less capacity to repair itself. Bones will also tend to break down which will also cause dysfunction in the joints as well as pain and discomfort.
Weight - Damage to the joints can also be caused by the weight that they have to carry or support. When an individual has excess body weight, it can eventually lead to arthritis. This is why arthritis in the knee and in the hip is common for those patients who are overweight.
Previous Injuries or Trauma - When an individual has a history of major injuries especially in the joints, arthritis can be developed. This is because the injuries might cause irregularities in the joints that were damaged which make it easier for arthritis to occur.
Overuse of Joints - This is a common cause especially for those who are active in sports or physical activities. This is because they repetitively use some joints which cause a lot of strain on them which can eventually lead to arthritis.
Infection or Illnesses - Some individuals who have a history of gout, joint infection, or other similar medical conditions are susceptible to developing arthritis in the joints. Some types of arthritis are also caused by viruses or bacteria. Infectious arthritis, for example, can be developed due to surgery, if a needle was inserted into the joint, or if there was an infection that traveled from a different part of the body.
Tumor Necrosis Factor - This is a substance that is produced by the body which can eventually cause inflammation of the joints, which can lead to rheumatoid arthritis.
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