Causes
What are the causes of arthritis?
Unfortunately, the causes of many types or arthritis are not known. It is suspected that most forms are caused by issues associated with the immune system; resulting in the body attacking its own tissues in the joints.Other forms may be caused by metabolic issues, such as those associated with gout. Arthritis may also be inherited.
Furthermore, environmental factors may also contribute to the development of some types of arthritis. These factors include, but are not limited to:
You also have an increased risk of developing this condition if you are a smoker and don’t participate in enough physical activity.
Lastly, arthritis may also be caused by an infection, this is called ‘reactive arthritis’. This particular branch is difficult to diagnose, and can develop at any age, however, is most common in younger populations. Reactive arthritis can last between a few weeks up to 6 months. Examples of conditions that can cause reactive arthritis include: systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis and Lyme disease.
- Obesity, which adds strain to the joints
- Activities that involve repeated movements to the joint
- Previous injury to the joint
