Understanding Arthritis and Its Causes

by | Dec 20, 2017 | Healthcare

According to patients who have suffered from arthritis pain in Jacksonville, the “disease,”—so to speak—is very common yet not fully understood. People understand what it is and how it looks, but rarely can someone actually define arthritis and understand the causes. Arthritis can become painful over time, and those who suffer from it wish they had known the causes as to prevent it from occurring in the beginning. Therefore, understanding arthritis and its causes can be beneficial to both you and to those around you who already suffer from it.

Arthritis is, in simple terms, an inflammation of joints. It can either affect one or multiple joints at the same time. The term “arthritis” is actually a broad definition; there are over 100 different subcategories of arthritis and arthritis-related conditions. Two of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Since it can occur in people of all ages, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It is commonly seen in elderly people, but over 300,000 children are diagnosed with arthritis each year. It’s seen most in those who are overweight, and affects more women than men yearly.

Although there isn’t a single cause of arthritis, there are potential causes that can influence the inflammation of the joints leading to the disease. Most types are caused by multiple factors combined, but for the most part arthritis is unpredictable. Genetics plays one major role in your probability of having the disease. Problems with your immune system, such as Lupus, can increase the chances of having arthritis.

Despite the vast number of subcategories, arthritis has some clear, common symptoms, including but not limited to: swelling of the joints, pain and stiffness in the joints, and decreased mobility. The symptoms come and go, with pain ranging from mild to severe. It can remain stable for a few years, but generally does worsen over time.

While there are causes of arthritis that cannot be prevented, such as genetics and age, there are things that can be done to decrease its likelihood and its pain. Taking care of your body is your top priority. Watch your weight and try to not cause any pressure on your joints that it can’t handle. Any jobs that require heavy lifting are hazardous to your joints, so be cautious and balance the weight rather than place pressure on one area.

Understanding arthritis and its causes allows us to prevent the likelihood of it occurring with us. It can happen to anyone at any age, and sometimes the causes can’t be prevented. However, there is a chance you can stop the pain from progressing to an unbearable point.

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