You've probably heard it a hundred times, joint pain is merely the cause of aging and nothing else. This is a myth. In fact, joint disorders are caused by different factors all leading to pain and related stress.

Age is a huge factor in joint disorders because the cartilage thins as a person grows old. Joints are damaged faster as the surface of the cartilage changes from smooth to cracked. Nonetheless, this is not the only reason for the aches and pains one can suffer.

Many aspects cause joint disorder; here are the most common reasons.

1. Inflammation. Swelling of joints or arthritis as it's more popularly known can be constant and recurrent. Inflammation causes pain and swelling due to tiny pieces of cartilage tearing off. A more common form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis. Often caused by the breakdown of cartilage, it targets the hips, hand, knees and spine. Although osteoarthritis is classified as a non-inflammatory arthritis (no swelling), swelling slowly appears as the arthritis develops.

2. Diet. Food intake plays a big role in life. The body needs nutrition for strength and energy. But not all foods are good for the body; some can also slowly degrade the body. The foods we eat are the results of what happens to our body. Eating unhealthy foods can take their toll in due time mostly resulting in illness caused by joint pain.

3. Weight. Weight is also one of the reasons for the aches and pains that we feel in our joints. Obesity causes small tears that break down the cartilage. Picture a chicken with a big body because of vitamins and excess food, their feet are so small that they can't lift themselves up anymore. Same goes with a person, the more the weight they carry, the more the cartilage breaks down. It may seem unnoticeable at first, but the effects take place in the long run. It's a known fact that losing a few pounds can relieve pain by at least 50 percent for most women.

4. Diabetes. Diabetes increases the risks of joint disorders. A frequent problem in having diabetes is Charcot's joint. Mainly affecting the feet, it occurs due to nerve damage caused by joint deterioration.

5. No exercise. Lack of exercise is also a major factor in joint disorder. Joints, like the tinman in The Wizard of Oz, need oil or in this case nutrients and exercise. Tender joints that don't get enough exercise will cause the surrounding muscles to become frail. Not only does exercise help strengthen joints, it also maintains weight loss and keeps the body healthy.

6. Muscle loss. Loss of muscle mass also contributes to joint pain. It's only natural to lose some muscle mass as time passes by. This goes along with lack of exercise, the joint soaks up the stress of everyday living instead of the muscle resulting to more damage.

7. Stress. Stress due to over-exercise can also cause joint disorder. If the body is overstressed from excessive exercise, the muscles get strained ensuing damage to the joints.

8. Injuries. Small injuries that happened at a young age can lead to joint pain. Accidental sprains can be damaged further as a person grows older. Even minor unknown injuries can effect in joint disorders.

9. Heredity. Heredity can cause joint disorder because your parents may have passed it on to you. The position of the bones and the uneven fitting of the joints can be abnormal leading to disorders. Though some may skip this genetic disease; those who get it won't experience this problem until they're older.

Staying healthy and keeping fit will lead to a more dynamic and happy lifestyle. So eat right, have enough exercise and take care of your body. You never know, you may even outlive your cat.