The Top 7 Causes Of Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that manifests itself in many different forms with more than 100 known types of the disorder. By definition the term arthritis technically means joint inflammation, however, many other parts of the body may also be affected by the condition.
Arthritis is one of the most common of all disorders, affecting as many as 70 million in the United States alone, or one out of every three Americans. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition, affects as many as 20 million of those people. While arthritis is more common in the elderly, it can affect people of any age, including children.
Of the many different types of arthritis, the causes of the majority of them are still mostly unknown. Researchers do believe that there are several different variables that may cause the condition or control its severity, and are delving into the role that genetics may play in developing arthritis.
The main risk factors for increasing one's chances of developing some type of arthritis include: Gender Overall, arthritis affects more women than men. Obesity Excess weight puts strain on the body's weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, which increases wear and tear, increasing the risk for many types of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. Age The risk for developing most types of arthritis increases with age. Work hazards Many people have physical jobs that require them to put repetitive strain on certain parts of the body, which may injure the joints and increase the chances for developing arthritis. Construction workers and those working on assembly lines are especially at risk. Previous injuries Prior injuries can cause irregularities in the surface of the joints, which is normally smooth, increasing irritation and inflammation. Certain illnesses and infections Some people who develop an infection within the joint, referred to as septic joint, or those who experience multiple episodes of gout may also develop arthritis. Extreme sports Certain types of sports with extreme contact or repeated strain and injury to the bones or joints may increase one's risk arthritis. However, the benefits of regular physical activity, while of course protecting susceptible or vulnerable parts of the body, far outweigh any risk of developing arthritis. Common types of arthritis The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which affects not only the joints, but also surrounding tissue and possibly other organs of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis may occur at any age, although the onset of the majority of cases is between the ages of 25 and 55. Gout, also called gouty arthritis or chronic gouty arthritis, is another common form of the condition and is more common in men than women, although post-menopausal women also seem to be at an increased risk, as well as people who have diabetes, diseases of the kidney, or those who consume large amounts of alcohol. Gout is actually caused by an excess of uric acid, a chemical substance produced by the body after breaking down certain foods, or by the kidney's inability to effectively rid the body of this acid. The majority of uric acid passes through the body in urine, however if the kidneys are unable to remove enough of it, a serious illness called hyperuricemia may occur. Although most causes of arthritis are still largely a mystery, many scientific advances have been made in recent years leading to more effective treatments and more promising prognoses. With early diagnosis, proper treatment and support that includes medication, diet and exercise, arthritis can be a manageable condition. Banish Your Arthritis Condition Naturally - from the comfort and privacy of your own home
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