Preventing Joint Deformation - Know the Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis is also known as the disease of the joints. There are over a hundred types of it and each is varied in its cause, manifestation and progress rate. Patients have been seen to respond better to this illness' affliction once they know the particular strain they are suffering from.

There is also a great opportunity of avoiding this illness altogether. We must admit that little is known about the pattern of the chemical processes in your body just before the disease strikes. But emphasis has been shifting towards general awareness on causes of it too.

One cause is weight. When you are overweight, the mechanics of it are such that your joints are burdened with an extra weight. It is simply like a taking a Mini Cooper and loading it with a tonne of lead metal. She cannot move and if she does, the suspensions will soon give way. If you look at it like that, you will understand that pressure on the cartilages that shield bones from meeting in joints becomes too much to be borne. Slowly, the cartilage thins and there is a grating sensation in them. Incidentally, while it is being overweight that might cause arthritis, the reduced mobility that comes with the disease makes it even more possible to gain more weight. To avoid getting over weight, watch your food and exercise regularly.

The specific occupation you are engaged in is also a possible cause of arthritis. Jobs whose description includes repetitive movements of certain muscles over-task those joints and muscles. Sometimes, manual work in factories and construction sites might cause someone to be stuck in one spot for a long time making the same motions with their hands or feet. When the muscles are over-stretched in one region, they cannot support the joints in that area. This exposes the cartilage in the joints to undue pressure and hastens their wear and tear. Even typing for lengthened periods of time and especially in the wrong posture can leave you with an altered gait and arthritic fingers. To improve your productivity and still take care of yourself as far as arthritis is concerned; make sure you are comfortable position when performing a repetitive task. You should also form a habit of taking a break and stretching your hands and feet as well as your back to prevent an arthritic attack.

Physical injuries can also cause the disease. While not all of the cases of broken bones and or similar injuries turn out to be arthritic, the risk is always there. The manner in which the injury happens is crucial. If it happens over time or there is excessive trauma on the join, then it could be a cause. Treat your injuries promptly and allow them time to heal.

The other cause is age. Reduced regeneration of tissue cells means that even cartilage worn out in joints is not replaced as fast as it is lost.

It is important to note that the causes of arthritis are not all in our control. By studying the ones we have singled out, we improve the chances of staying arthritic free.