Arthritis is plainly described as the inflammation of the joints that connects the bones in the body. In order to cure arthritis, one must know what causes arthritis because every arthritis situation differs.

Some people wonder what causes arthritis because any person may be affected by this ailment regardless of age and the built of the body. The cause of arthritis may either be genetics, age, weight, previous injury.

Genetics is one of the main causes of arthritis. When arthritis runs in the family, it is likely for one to have arthritis even if the person is still young. Arthritis is considered hereditary when from the very beginning one's cartilage, joints, tendons, or muscles are weak and brittle.

Another cause of arthritis is one's age. Normally, young people should not experience arthritis; arthritis should be felt only by persons over 50 years of age because at this age, the cartilage becomes weaker and can no longer repair itself. Another instance of weak cartilage is because of its failure to absorb nutrients from the body. As a person grows older it is expected that he or she may develop arthritis.

Weight is also a cause of arthritis. The weight referred to here is being overweight that the joints in the body are having a hard time supporting the excess body weight. This cause generally affects the hips, knees, and the ankles. If the body is quite heavy than the average or the required weight in terms of age, it is expected that the hips, knees and ankles will be forced to carry the heavy weight and in effect, damaging the joints, cartilage, and tendons.

Previous injury is likewise a cause of arthritis. This happens when a bone is broken and it affects the cartilage. An example of a previous injury that may cause arthritis is the tibial plateau fracture. In this injury, the part of the bone fractured affects the cartilage of the knee joint.

Other causes include occupational hazards, high-level sports, and illness or infection. With respect to occupational hazards, it causes arthritis because of the nature of the work performed. This is true with respect to construction workers, or other occupation that requires heavy lifting and activities. This cause is similar to overweight. High-level sports also cause arthritis of because of overuse or putting so much tension on the bones of the body. But do not be misled, sports are good for the body, however, if one overuses his body, it may cause injury, and thereafter, a possible arthritis. Arthritis may also be cause by illness or infection; the classic examples are septic joint infection, multiple incidents of gout, and other medical condition that affects the muscles, joints, bones, cartilage, and tendons.

Determining what causes arthritis is a very big problem when the ailment is already at its worst stage. Arthritis may be suffered by a person only after it has developed throughout the years without us knowing, or maybe it is due to old age. As such, one must be careful and cautious of any pain he may experience, no matter how insignificant it may be. Asking a doctor for an opinion at an early stage may lead to the easy determination of the cause and the proper remedy for it.