Contributing Factors to Arthritis

By Michelle Day −

Arthritis doesn’t always have to be a rite of passage as you get older. There are a number of different contributing factors that can eventually lead to the onset of arthritis. Some factors are under your control while others are with you before you’re even born.

Genetics

If your relatives have arthritis, there’s a good chance that you’ll have arthritis as well. It hasn’t yet been determined just how much genetics and heredity increase an individual’s chances of developing arthritis, but there is evidence that genetic variations are to blame.

Weight

Joint damage is dependent on how much weight the joint has to support, meaning the more you weigh, the greater the chances you have of suffering from arthritis. Obese individuals are much more likely to experience arthritis in their knees and hips, areas that suffer from a great deal of wear and increased pressure.

Previous Injury

Even if your previous injuries are healed there’s still a chance that they can give you problems later on in life. The reason for this is that damage to the joints can result in irregularities in the surface of your joints. An example of injuries that can result in arthritis is a tibial plateau fracture in which the broken section of bone protrudes into the cartilage of the knee joint.

Stiletto Heels

While wearing high heels can be bad enough for the spine, wearing stiletto heels can be downright dangerous on the knees. High heels increase the amount of pressure on the knees, which can lead to an early onset of knee arthritis. Research has shown that sporting a pair of one and a half inch heels can affect the progression and rate of osteoarthritis. It’s recommended that women reduce their high heel usage starting in their thirties.

Occupational Hazards

Certain job occupations can also increase an individual’s chances of developing arthritis. Heavy construction, assembly line workers, and other physically demanding jobs carry the most risk.

Texting

While you might prefer texting to talking, doing so can contribute to arthritis in your hands. If your thumbs have been feeling particularly painful or creaky, all of that texting that you’ve been doing just might be the root of your problems. Since arthritis can take several decades to develop, the data related to what’s known as “texting thumb” isn’t quite clear.

Pay attention to your day-to-day activities and ask yourself which of them could lead to arthritis. By taking preventative and rehabilitative steps now, you’ll most certainly be doing your older self a favor.

Michelle Day is a writer and web strategist who takes special interest in healthy living and lifestyle. She enjoys cooking and trying new recipes to incorporate healthy food into her everyday diet. In addition, she also serves as the lead copywriter for Pain Management and Injury Relief Medical Center[http://paininjuryrelief.com/], which specializes in expert pain treatment and management in the Los Angeles area.