Cause & Prevention of Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease that affects nearly one in five adults in their lifetime. It is characterized by swelling and pain in one or more joints, often causing limited mobility. The pain of arthritis can cause many people to give up certain activities that they once loved. Researchers have not pinpointed an exact cause of arthritis but they do know many risk factors that may be linked to it. Learning ways to help prevent arthritis can help you stay active longer.
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Types of Arthritis
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There are over a hundred different types of arthritis that can occur in different parts of the body. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types. Osteoarthritis occurs when pain is caused from bones rubbing against each other. This disease may progress over many years of stress on the joint or could occur after an acute injury. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the bones and joints. As the disease progresses, it can damage cartilage and bone, causing swelling and pain.
Genetics
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Arthritis may be passed through heredity. Scientists have actually been able to pinpoint a certain gene that can predict rheumatoid arthritis. If this gene is present in your DNA, you have a greater chance of having problems. Of course, having this gene doesn't mean you will definitely get the disease, it just means that your genetics put your at a higher risk.
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Wear and Tear
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If you tend to use a particular joint for a specific action repeatedly, you have a good chance of developing arthritis. People who participate in a specific sport and do a lot of the same movement put a lot of strain on the joint and eventually it may become arthritic. Runners put a lot of stress on their knees and ankles; a baseball pitcher may wear down his shoulder. Acute injury can also leave you at a greater risk for arthritis. A car accident or a sports injury that heals could eventually become arthritic. Because of the strain it causes on bones and joints, obesity may also cause arthritis.
Infection
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Sometimes, certain organisms can enter the body causing an infection that may trigger arthritis. There are different bacteria, viruses and fungi that can have this effect. One example is Lyme disease. The bacteria that come from this disease can trigger arthritis in people with a genetic predisposition to it. Any foreign objects that enter the body, like needles and other medical instruments, may provide a pathway for bacteria to enter the body.
Prevention
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There is no guaranteed way to prevent arthritis. The best way of defending yourself is to get regular exercise and eat a well-balanced diet. Because obesity can cause arthritis, maintaining a healthy weight can lower your chances of getting the disease. Reduce any exercises that put repetitive strain on a joint and cause problems like tennis elbow. Ronald Lawrence, M.D., author of "Preventing Arthritis: A Holistic Approach to Life Without Pain," recommends taking daily vitamin supplements. Many people do not get enough of their vital nutrients due to poor or insufficient diets. He also advocates drinking plenty of water every day. Water keeps the body hydrated and helps lubricate joints, keeping them healthy longer.
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References
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- Photo Credit _Ricky: flickr.com
