The Risk Factors of Arthritis - What You Must Be Aware Of Articles | Arthritis

When you ask an arthritis patient what it's like having the condition, be ready to accept that it is an extremely painful condition. They will tell you that their joints are swollen, stiff and painful. And lastly, they will tell you that there is no cure for arthritis, and that they are supposed to diligently following their doctor's orders in order to manage their pain-free life.

Many factors put you at risk in getting arthritis. doctors, for years, have been aware of these risk factors that make one prone to arthritis, but due to lack of dissemination, we the general public, are not well informed of the many risk factors. As people who are concerned for their own and their family's health, we must arm ourselves with the right information to avoid having to encounter this painful condition.

The sad truth: The four non-modifiable risk factors

Medical researchers and scientist have named the 5 main culprits for arthritis, and it is a sad truth that none of these are modifiable. This means that it is impossible to avoid and change these risk factors. These non-modifiable risk factors are: gender, age, ethnicity and genetics.

The first non-modifiable risk factor is gender. This is of course is an unexpected risk factor of arthritis. Unfortunately, it is a well known fact that women are more prone to develop arthritis. Additionally, women are more susceptible to a lot more kinds of arthritis than men are. But this does not mean that men are immune from the disease, it is just that arthritis exhibits itself more commonly in women.

Age is another risk factor that comes as no surprise to most people. We all know that aging means weakening of the bones among other things. And as you age your body gets more prone to arthritis. Normally, people over the age of 40 have higher chances of getting arthritis than those who are younger. And by the time they reach 55 some of them would have been complaining about it already.

Ethnicity, although a minor risk factor, is still important. Researchers and scientists have seen correlations between ethnicity and the development of arthritis. The fourth risk factor is genetics. Certain genes have been proven to increase arthritis risk. This risk factor is new and needs more research to determine how ethnicity and genetics are related to arthritis.

The last non-modifiable risk factor involves the joints. If you have suffered from joint damage and/or infection then that makes you more susceptible to arthritis. the infection tends to trigger the inflammation in the joints.

Modifiable Risk Factors

There are some risk factors which you can change while you still have ample time. One such risk factor is obesity. Excess weight increases the risk for you in developing arthritis in the knees, hips and hands. A mere 10 pounds increases your risk of developing arthritis.

Better Safe Than Sorry!

It is for your own good to know all these risk factors to better equip yourself in preventing arthritis. Although certain factors are unchangeable, it is best to control whatever is changeable and manageable so that you will not suffer from arthritis in the future.