Arthritis is an extremely painful condition that affects many people throughout the world. It causes joint inflammation, which in many cases is a source of pain that is nearly intolerable. Though arthritis can be managed, there is no cure for this condition as of yet.

There are many risk factors that make one susceptible to arthritis. Though doctors have been aware of these risk factors for many years, many patients are not aware of them. By becoming aware of arthritis risk factors, you can take the necessary precautions to avoid having to suffer from this painful condition.

Non-Modifiable Arthritis Risk Factors

Medical experts have identified four main risk factors of arthritis which they have deemed to be non-modifiable. This means that it is impossible to change these risk factors. The four risk factors that cannot be changed are: gender, age, ethnicity, and genetics.

Gender is one of the most common, but unexpected risk factors of arthritis. It is a well known fact that more women than men are affected by arthritis. Additionally, women are more likely to be affected by a variety of forms of arthritis. Although men are not completely immune, arthritis is much more commonly seen in women.

Age is an arthritis risk factor that comes as no surprise to most people. The risk of developing arthritis increases with age. This is especially true of osteoarthritis. Typically, arthritis risk increases dramatically after the age of 40.

Ethnicity is another non-modifiable risk factor of arthritis. Though this risk is relatively minor, experts have still seen some correlations between ethnicity and the development of arthritis. The fourth risk factor is genetics. Certain inherited genes have been shown to increase arthritis risk. More research needs to be completed to determine how ethnicity and genetics are related to arthritis.

Modifiable Risk Factors

You know that there are some risk factors of arthritis that cannot be changed, regardless of what you do. However, there are other risk factors that you can change in order to ward off the development of arthritis.

One such risk factor is obesity. Excess weight can increase the risk of developing arthritis in the knees, hips, and hands. Weight is especially a risk factor for women. Even a mere 10 pounds can increase your risk of developing arthritis!

Two other non-modifiable risk factors are joint damage and infection. Any kind of injury or infection that affects the joints has the potential to trigger inflammation. Occupation also becomes a risk factor, because work-related stress can often lead to arthritis.

Better Safe Than Sorry!

Knowing the risk factors of arthritis will ensure that you are thinking of ways to prevent the onset of this condition before it actually happens. Although certain non-modifiable risk factors cannot be changed, other risk factors can be changed to put the odds of being affected by arthritis in your favor.