Arthritis is not a single disease. This broader term consists of a larger number of conditions that affect joint health and mobility. Different types of arthritis have different causes and symptoms. Understanding what causes arthritis can help you recognize its possible risk factors.
At Njinsky Medical Centre, we focus on understanding the patient’s condition before discussing the most suitable treatment options. This brief guide is designed to help you identify the major causes and risk factors of this medical condition. Give it a read to learn more.
Major Causes of Arthritis
|
1. Ageing and Joint Changes
Ageing is an important risk factor for several forms of arthritis. The tissues within the joints can change gradually with age. Cartilage and bones, along with muscles and other joint structures, may become less resilient over time. These changes can affect how the joints move and handle everyday stress.
Age-related changes may include:
- Gradual changes in joint cartilage
- Reduced joint flexibility
- Changes in bone and joint structure
- Increased sensitivity to joint stress
- Greater risk of osteoarthritis
- Reduced muscle strength around some joints
2. Previous Joint Injuries
Previous injuries to a joint can increase the risk of developing arthritis in that joint. This is sometimes called post-traumatic arthritis. An injury can damage cartilage, ligaments, bones, and other joint structures.
Knee injuries are one common example. Damage to a ligament or cartilage can increase the risk of osteoarthritis later in life. Proper assessment and rehabilitation can help support joint function after an injury.
Joint injuries that may increase risk include:
- Ligament injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Bone fractures near a joint
- Repeated sports injuries
- Joint dislocations
- Severe falls or accidents
- Previous joint surgery
3. Repeated Joint Stress
Some joints experience repeated stress because of work or everyday activities. The impact can depend on the type of activity and how long the stress continues. Repeated stress does not automatically cause arthritis. The risk may increase when repetitive stress occurs alongside previous injuries or excess body weight. Using safe movement techniques can help reduce unnecessary strain.
Activities that may place repeated stress on joints include:
- Frequent kneeling
- Repeated squatting
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive hand movements
- High-impact sports
- Prolonged physical work
- Repeated climbing or bending
4. Excess Body Weight
Body weight can affect the health of weight-bearing joints. Excess body weight can increase the mechanical load placed on these joints. It may also contribute to biological processes associated with inflammation. Excess body weight is associated with a higher risk of osteoarthritis. It can also make existing joint symptoms more difficult to manage. At Njinsky Medical Centre, weight is considered one part of a patient’s overall health. It is not assumed to be the only cause of joint pain.
Excess body weight can:
- Increase pressure on weight-bearing joints
- Place additional stress on the knees and hips
- Increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis
- Make movement more difficult
- Affect physical activity levels
- Make existing joint symptoms harder to manage
5. Genetic Factors
Some people inherit genetic variations that make them more susceptible to particular joint or autoimmune conditions. Family history can therefore provide useful information during a medical assessment. Having a family member with arthritis does not mean that a person will definitely develop it. At Njinsky Medical Centre, family history is considered alongside other clinical information.
Genetic factors may be relevant to:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Certain autoimmune conditions
6. Autoimmune Conditions
Arthritis can be a result of the immune system attacking normal tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common example. The immune system may target tissues surrounding the joints, leading to chronic inflammation.
Psoriatic arthritis is another example. It often affects people with psoriasis and may involve the joints or the areas where tendons or ligaments connect to bones. Autoimmune types of arthritis differ from the normal changes that take place in the joints as a result of ageing.
Autoimmune arthritis may cause:
- Persistent joint swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Pain in several joints
- Reduced movement
- Joint tenderness
- Fatigue
- Recurrent symptoms
- Inflammation around affected joints
7. Infections
Some infections may also trigger arthritis in some people. Reactive arthritis is one of the best examples. It can develop after certain bacterial infections affecting areas such as the digestive system or the urinary and genital tract. Joint symptoms may appear after the original infection has improved. Reactive arthritis can cause pain and stiffness, often in the knees, ankles, or feet. Some people may also experience eye or urinary symptoms.
Infection-related arthritis may involve:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Stiffness
- Redness or warmth
- Knee or ankle symptoms
- Eye inflammation in some cases
- Urinary symptoms in some cases
8. High Uric Acid and Gout
Gout develops through a different process. It occurs when urate levels become high enough for crystals to form in and around a joint. These crystals can trigger sudden and intense inflammation. The big toe is a common site, but gout can affect the ankles, knees, feet, and other joints.
A gout attack can cause severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Risk can be influenced by high urate levels, family history, obesity, certain health conditions, and some medicines. Diet and alcohol intake can also influence gout risk in some people. Repeated attacks should be medically assessed.
Factors associated with gout include:
- High urate levels
- Family history
- Obesity
- Certain kidney conditions
- Some medications
- Certain dietary patterns
- Alcohol consumption
- Increasing age
9. Smoking
Certain inflammatory types of arthritis are related to smoking, and smoking has been closely linked with the development of RA. It may affect the activity of the immune system and could contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases. Quitting smoking offers health advantages.
Smoking may:
- Increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis
- Affect immune system activity
- Influence inflammatory processes
- Affect overall physical health
- Make healthy physical activity more difficult
10. Abnormal Joint Structure
The structure of a joint can influence how forces are distributed during movement. Some people are born with structural differences. Others develop changes because of injury, disease, or previous surgery. These changes can place uneven pressure on certain parts of a joint.
Over time, uneven stress may contribute to joint damage. This can increase the risk of osteoarthritis in some individuals. The knees, hips, and other weight-bearing joints can be particularly affected. Imaging may help healthcare professionals assess structural changes when required.
Structural factors may include:
- Abnormal joint development
- Previous fractures
- Joint deformities
- Previous joint surgery
- Changes caused by injury
- Uneven distribution of joint pressure
- Abnormal alignment of a joint
11. Certain Health Conditions
Some health conditions can increase the risk of specific forms of arthritis. Metabolic conditions are one example. Kidney problems can affect urate levels and may influence the risk of gout. Other systemic conditions can affect the joints as part of a wider disease process.
This is why a complete medical history is important. Joint pain may sometimes be a symptom of a broader health problem. Treating only the painful joint may not address the underlying cause. At Njinsky Medical Centre, we consider the patient’s overall health when assessing persistent joint symptoms.
Health conditions that may affect arthritis risk include:
- Kidney disease
- Metabolic conditions
- Autoimmune diseases
- Psoriasis
- Certain infections
- Conditions affecting joint structure
- Other systemic diseases
To Wrap Up
What causes arthritis? Arthritis encompasses numerous diseases, and each can have its own causes and risk factors. Some of the major causes are discussed above. At Njinsky Medical Centre, we believe that joint care is only properly started if there is a proper understanding of the condition. If pain or stiffness persists, it should be addressed promptly.
Talk to a healthcare professional if your joint symptoms persist. Early diagnosis can help you understand your condition and explore your options for managing joint health. Feel free to get connected with professional consultants at Njinsky Medical Centre for a proper diagnosis and quality treatment at affordable prices.
