Causes of Arthritis - How to Reduce the Risk

With over 100 diseases associated with arthritis, there are many causes of arthritis. The most common cause is wear and tear of the joints. This can occur naturally as the body ages or it can occur earlier in life if the body is abused - for instance, over exercising or playing sports that put pressure on a certain joint for a long period of time. Repetitive actions can also cause arthritis, in the form of tendonitis - using a computer keyboard for extended periods each day can cause tendonitis. Some types of arthritis are caused by infections in other parts of the body and mineral deposits collecting on the joints can cause some types of arthritis.

Most Common Causes of Arthritis

· Genetic - Genetics play an important role in the causes of many illnesses. While genetic predisposition is not always understood, there are signs that point to the increased risk of arthritis when certain factors are present in the family medical history.

· Age - Many types of arthritis are caused by the normal wear and tear of cartilage. As a person ages, the cartilage becomes more brittle and is more likely to wear away, leaving the joints with no cushion. As a person ages, their risk for arthritis increases.

· Injury - Many times a previous injury can lead to the onset of arthritis. If the joint or surrounding tissue was damaged due to an injury, this can accelerate the process of wear and tear on the joint.

· Weight - Weight can play a very important role in the onset of arthritis. Extra weight increases the pressure on joints such as the hips, spine, knees, and ankles. This can result in an earlier onset of arthritis because the wear and tear of the supporting joints is accelerated.

· Sports - Some sports can lead to the onset of arthritis. Tennis is one of the most likely sports because of the pressure placed on the elbow - and the repetitive movement of the elbow. Tendonitis is one of the most common sports-related types of arthritis. Other sports, such as football and baseball can place more stress on the knees and if played for years can increase the chance of arthritis later in life.