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Rheumatic & Autoimmune Conditions
Question #19381
62 days ago
104

how arthritis is caused - #19381

Pihu

I am really confused and a bit worried about my joint pain. Last month, I started feeling this weird ache in my knees and fingers. I am not super old or anything, but my mom has arthritis, and she always said it was because of wear and tear. Then I thought, maybe that's how arthritis is caused? I read a bit online and saw that there are different types of arthritis. Some people say it could be from genetics, like in my mom's case, while others mention things like inflammation or even autoimmunity. I don’t know what to believe. Could my lifestyle be playing a part in how arthritis is caused? Like if I wasn’t so active or maybe I didn’t eat good? I keep trying to stretch and do exercises, but somedays it just hurts too much! If anyone here has experienced this, can they share how they found out how arthritis is caused in their own situations? Also, I'm wondering if there are tests that can help show what’s going on with my body besides just guessing. Any insights would be like super helpful as I’m really trying to understand what's happening with me!

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Doctors' responses

Arthritis can indeed be caused by a variety of factors, with different types stemming from different origins. The common forms of arthritis you might be thinking about include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), among others. Osteoarthritis is generally linked to aging and wear and tear on the joints, where the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones deteriorates over time. Your genetic background can play a role here, as it sounds like might be the case with your family history, potentially predisposing you to OA if your mother had similar issues. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. It’s less about wear and tear and more about an inappropriate immune system response. Environmental factors such as smoking or certain infections could potentially trigger this, alongside genetics. Lifestyle factors indeed have a role, although they might not be the sole cause. A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, or obesity can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to the progression of joint issues by increasing stress on the joints and promoting inflammation. It’s good that you’re staying active, though; balanced movement and regular exercise that doesn’t overstrain you are generally beneficial for maintaining joint function. As for tests, diagnosing arthritis usually involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies like X-rays to visualize joint changes, and blood tests that might reveal markers of inflammation or specific antibodies associated with particular types of arthritis (like rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP for RA). A rheumatologist can help in making specific diagnoses and guiding comprehensive treatment. Be mindful of joint pain that persists or worsens, and it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional who might recommend these tests to evaluate your condition more deeply.

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