What Triggers Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is marked by persistent joint inflammation. Among its types, Osteoarthritis (OA) stands out as the most prevalent. It manifests when, over time, the cartilage within the joints breaks down.
Cartilage is a resilient, rubber-like tissue that serves as a buffer, protecting the bone ends and facilitating smooth joint movement. With the degradation of cartilage, bones within the joints lose their fine contour, becoming uneven and rough. Consequently, this leads to joint pain and may cause irritation of the neighboring tissues. Advancing through stages, the cartilage might eventually wear off completely, leading to bones grinding against each other and resulting in intense joint pain.
While cartilage wearing down is part of the aging process, not everyone will develop OA. The precise reasons why some individuals are affected while others, seemingly similar, are spared remain largely elusive. Thus, attributing specific causes of OA must be considered on an individual basis.
Understanding the Risk Factors for Developing Osteoarthritis
There are several factors that can increase your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis (OA). While some of these factors cannot be controlled, such as genetics and age, you can take steps to minimize the impact of lifestyle factors that can contribute to OA. These include overusing your joints, maintaining an unhealthy weight, and having poor posture.
OA has been found to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition. However, no specific gene has been identified as the cause. Age is also a significant risk factor for OA, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that over one-third of adults over 65 exhibit symptoms of the condition. Gender plays a role as well, with men being more prone to OA until age 45, after which women become more susceptible.
Injuries to a joint can also increase the risk of OA in that area. Furthermore, obesity is a known risk factor for OA, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. Yet, research has shown that obesity is also associated with OA in non-weight-bearing joints, suggesting that excess weight alone may not be the sole factor in increasing OA risk. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing OA.
Maintaining correct posture is essential in minimizing undue strain on your joints which could elevate the risk of osteoarthritis (OA). Regularly adopting incorrect posture while sitting or standing can exacerbate joint pressure, potentially triggering OA development.
Additionally, experiencing other forms of arthritis could predispose individuals to OA as they age. Types of arthritis that can escalate this risk include gout, septic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The health of your joints can also be compromised by various medical conditions, subsequently influencing your likelihood of developing OA. These conditions include bleeding disorders which may lead to joint hemorrhage, as well as diseases altering blood flow or causing inflammation. Specific medical conditions linked with a heightened OA risk consist of osteonecrosis, Paget’s disease of the bone, diabetes, gout, and hypothyroidism.
When it comes to those diagnosed with OA, while symptoms might not be constant, certain factors can trigger discomfort. These triggers can vary among individuals, but there are common ones to be aware of:
- Inactivity: Remaining stationary for extended periods can lead to joint stiffness, thereby increasing the discomfort during movement. This stiffness often explains why OA pain can be intensified upon waking.
- Stress: There is a scientifically established correlation between stress and an increased sensation of pain.
- Weather: Changes in weather conditions, particularly cold and dampness, have been reported to aggravate OA symptoms, with many individuals with OA being notably weather-sensitive.