Causes of osteoarthritis

Mainly there are two types of osteoarthritis: primary osteoarthritis and secondary osteoarthritis. The causes of these two types of osteoarthritis are different.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Fractures and infections: Damage to cartilage is the main cause of osteoarthritis. This damage might be due to fractures or infections to the joints. People who play basket ball or football can get more joint injuries, which might result in the disease.

Aging: As people become older, joints get breakdown, which results in osteoarthritis. This does not mean that all elderly people have to suffer from osteoarthritis. With aging, cartilage becomes less flexible because of the increased water content. This results in reduced protein level of cartilage, eventually causing cartilage damage and thus osteoarthritis. Rarely some patients found to lose the entire cartilage.

Overuse: Overuse is found to be a cause of osteoarthritis. With aging overuse of the cartilage, in other words joints, happen that results in osteoarthritis. Moreover, sports persons and manual workers who extensively use their joints, have more chances of developing osteoarthritis at a later stage. Labourers like carpenters suffer from the disease at the elbows and athletes who play football and ballet dancers get it on the feet. This is because of the wear and tear happening to cartilage.

Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity can also be one of the causes of osteoarthritis over time. Aged persons who do not move or those who do not exercise found to have osteoarthritis. Because of fewer movements, muscles become weak and joints become hard and painful. This results in cartilage damage and thus osteoarthritis.

Overweight: Because of overweight, joints become more strained and injured. This results in osteoarthritis. Mostly knees and hips, main weight supporting parts, become easily affected due to excess weight. Studies show that young children who have overweight are at the risk of developing osteoarthritis in future.

Genetic reasons: Studies show that inherited gene which is defective can cause osteoarthritis. Especially, those genes which are responsible for the production of cartilage, becomes disease carriers if they are defective. Those who suffer from hereditary defects like hip disorder or bend legs, get joints damage easily, which effectively results in osteoarthritis. Moreover, among siblings and especially twins, have greater dominance of the disease.
Gender: Both men and women gets affected by osteoarthritis. But osteoarthritis develops in men normally before 45 itself and in women, it is commonly found after the age of 45.

Other causes: Studies show that diabetes patients tend to have osteoarthritis. Sometimes, lack of nutrition and metabolic issues also results in osteoarthritis. Altogether, taking care of joints or cartilage could help in preventing osteoarthritis.