Are you experiencing swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or pain in the joints, neck, lower back, hip, knee, or hands? You may have osteoarthritis, an arthritis form resulting from the wear of the flexible tissue at the end of your bones. At face value, osteoarthritis is simply caused by joint wear and tear. Nonetheless, at a deeper scale, it is a complex disorder that can be elaborated through its pathogenesis, including the anatomic, molecular, and physiologic modifications. This also means that the condition has risk factors, some modifiable and others non-modifiable. The factors trigger Lafayette osteoarthritis onset and lead to its progression when unmanaged. Here are the common osteoarthritis risk factors.
Non-modifiable risk factors
- Genetics: Osteoarthritis (OA) runs in families, meaning that if your sibling(s) or parent(s) have it, you are at an increasingly high risk of developing the disorder. While the particular gene is yet to be identified as the primary cause, family history is a common non-modifiable OA risk factor.
- Gender: Men are likely to develop OA below the age of 45. After 45 years, women are at higher risk.
- Age: You can’t stop aging, which is among the top non-modifiable OA risk factors. This is attributed to the wear and tear, including trauma and injuries experienced over the years.
- Bone deformities: You may have been born with defective cartilage or certain malformed joints, which increases OA risks. Initially, this is non-modifiable. Nonetheless, proper intervention from an early age can help lower QA risks. This is because intervention measures can help reduce stress on the joints or improve cartilage’s health for a better cushioning effect.
Modifiable risk factors
Excess weight
Obesity/too much weight puts extra stress on your joints. This accelerates their wear and tear, increasing your risk of joint pain and osteoarthritis. Obesity commonly leads to spine, knees, and hip OA. Weight management can help lower the risk or manage OA symptoms. This may include exercise, dieting, and professional services, including surgery.
Poor or overuse
Are you an athlete or in an occupation that requires you to use joints repeatedly? This repetitive stress on the joint can lead to OA. Such activities include kneeling, squatting, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting. Besides overuse, your techniques also count. Poor standing or sitting posture, for instance, can strain the joints. Excessive stress can cause more than temporary pain since you can gradually develop OA.
Injuries
Injuries such as an accident can increase OA risk. This includes injuries from the past that seem to have healed. The risk increases with subsequent injuries as it worsens the wear and tear. Investing in protective gear, such as for contact sports activities, can help mitigate injuries and the possibility of developing OA.
Metabolic conditions
Metabolic conditions like diabetes can lead to excessive iron accumulation. This is referred to as hemochromatosis, which can cause tissue damage. Proper metabolic condition management, including following dietary recommendations, taking prescription medication, exercising, and keeping stress levels in check, can help you remain healthier and lower OA risk.
Osteoarthritis can impact your ability to lead an active and fulfilling life. It can be incapacitating, making it hardly possible to go about your day. Understanding the common risk factors and implementing measures can help avoid developing or aggravating OA. Visit Moore Healthcare Group today for more on osteoarthritis risk factors, treatment, and management options available.
