Guest guest Posted December 30, 2008 Report Share Posted December 30, 2008 The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, but some experts believe that joint damage occurs as a response to physical stress (such as injury or repetitive movement). This wear and tear can erode the cartilage, causing bones to thicken and change shape. Eventually, the ends of the bones begin to rub together causing pain and tenderness. There are two main categories of risks that can contribute to osteoarthritis--those that you can't change, and those that you can. Uncontrollable Risk Factors These variables are out of your control. Although you can't do anything to change them, it's important to know whether you fall into any of these higher-risk categories. a.. Your age. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people (although it can afflict young adults who experience joint injuries). Almost all people over 65 show some signs of developing osteoarthritis, and by age 70, nearly every person will have this condition. b.. Your gender. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more often in men, but after age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in women. c.. Your race. Caucasians and African Americans have an overall higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than other racial and ethnic groups. d.. Your family history. You are more likely to develop osteoarthritis if one or both of your parents had the condition. Research suggests that defective genes, which cause deterioration of the joint, can be passed down from parent to child. e.. Your health history. Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, change the structure of the cartilage and therefore increase the risk for osteoarthritis. f.. Your previous injuries. Joint injuries or overuse, whether from physical labor, sports, or repetitive injury, can increase the risk for developing osteoarthritis. Even a single injury to a joint can result in the development of osteoarthritis many years later. g.. Your joint alignment. Joints that move or fit together incorrectly are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. This is from my Sparks People email. Joanne ____________________________________________________________ Earn up to $150/hour as a paralegal. Click to get trained now. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/PnY6rx9xdFMCyjNnG4sUYH4EXUODmXpRT\ BpMTU1PW4E4lp0Ia65P7/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.