Quick Facts: 7 Risk Factors of Arthritis

Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. According to MNT, some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not modifiable.

Risk Factors of Arthritis

A. Non-modifiable arthritis risk factors:

1. Age: The risk of developing most types of arthritis increases with age 

2. Sex: Most types of arthritis are more common in females; 60% of all people with arthritis are female. Gout is more common in males than females

3. Genetic: Specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ankylosing spondylitis.

B. Modifiable arthritis risk factors:

4. Overweight and obesity: Excess weight can contribute to both the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis

5. Joint injuries: Damage to a joint can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint

6. Infection: many microbial agents can infect joints and trigger the development of various forms of arthritis

7. Occupation: Certain occupations that involve repetitive knee bending and squatting are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Quick Facts about Arthritis

Here are some key points about arthritis.

1. "Arthritis" defines around 200 rheumatic disease and conditions that affect joints.

2. Rheumatic diseases include various types of arthritis, as well as osteoporosis and systemic connective tissue diseases.

3. Types of arthritis such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis affect multiple organs and cause a long list of symptoms.

4. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 52.5 million adults report having been diagnosed by their doctor with some form of arthritis.

5. Arthritis can impair a person's ability to perform "everyday" tasks.

6. Physical activity has a positive effect on arthritis and can improve pain, function and mental health.

7. The most common comorbid condition experienced with arthritis is heart disease.

8. Factors in the development of arthritis include injury, abnormal metabolism, genetic makeup, infections and immune system dysfunction.

9. Treatment for arthritis aims to control pain, minimize joint damage and improve or maintain quality of life.

10. Arthritis is treated with a combination of medications, physical therapies and patient education and support. 

Sources:

• Verywell.com – arthritis (Accessed: 10/12/2016)
• Medicalnewstoday.com – impact of arthritis (Accessed: 09/12/2016)

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