What Leads to Arthritis?
October 31, 2009
There are many causes of arthritis. Some causes of arthritis we are aware of and others we are not. In this article we list some of the common causes of joint problems and arthritis. These causes can lead to stiffness in the joints, pain in the affected areas as well as swelling in the afflicted areas.
Cause One
Arthritis and joint problems can be caused by overworking a specific joint. That means that the joints, say in the elbow or knees are repeatedly used in the same motion.
This can lead to getting arthritis in that area. Some common examples of arthritis caused by overuse of a particular joint are tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tennis elbow is a way to explain arthritis in a person’s elbow. Carpal tunnel syndrome tends to be felt in a person’s hand, wrist and even up the arm into the elbow.
This comes from repetitive hand movements from something as simple as typing on a keyboard. People who use their knees and ankles repeatedly such as athletes may experience arthritis or joint problems in these areas of the body.
Cause Two
Arthritis can also be caused when a specific joint connection of the body has become injured. This too is common amongst athletes. The injury makes the joint weaker and susceptible to problems.
Cause Three
Infections are also a common cause of arthritis. If the body has been exposed to fungi, bacteria or a virus; these infections can trigger the onset of certain types of arthritis.
For example, viruses can cause a form of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. People can also experience arthritis if they have recently had surgery on a joint or have had an injection in the joint. An infection in the body can spread to the joints causing arthritis as well.
Cause Four
Arthritis may be hereditary. If you have a close family member with arthritis such as your mother or father, you may be more susceptible to getting arthritis. Research has proven that people with certain genetic markers are more prone to developing arthritis.
Cause Five
As a person ages, the cartilage in between their joints becomes worn down. The bones also become weaker. An elderly person is a stronger candidate for getting arthritis. One common form of joint problem in the elderly is osteoarthritis.
Cause Six
Arthritis can also be caused by a medical condition called tumor necrosis factor. Tumor necrosis factor, referred to as TNF is a substance that is produced by an individual’s body.
This substance causes inflammation in the joints. Research has provided a drug that can stave off the TNF inflammation which in turn will ease arthritis pain.




























