Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. While arthritis can affect people of all ages, there are certain factors that can increase your risk. Here’s an overview of who is most at risk for developing arthritis.
Age
Age is one of the biggest risk factors for arthritis. This is because cartilage becomes more brittle and prone to wear and tear as we get older. Osteoarthritis in particular dramatically increases with age:
- Before age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in men
- After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in women
- Over age 65, more than 50% of people have some degree of osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can begin at any age, but the peak onset is between the ages of 40 and 60. The risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis also appears to increase with age, although the reason for this is unclear.
Obesity
Carrying excess weight puts significant stress on the joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. People who are obese have up to 4 times the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis compared to people who are a healthy weight.
One study found that for every 11 pounds of excess weight, the risk of developing osteoarthritis increased by 36%. Losing weight can help reduce arthritis symptoms by decreasing pressure on the joints.
Joint injuries
Joint injuries, especially to the knee, are a major risk factor for osteoarthritis later in life. Athletes and people whose jobs involve physical labor have increased rates of osteoarthritis.
Injuries that are known to increase osteoarthritis risk include:
- Torn meniscus
- Ligament tears
- Dislocated knee cap
- Hip dysplasia
Even minor injuries can alter the structure of the joint and accelerate cartilage breakdown. Getting injuries treated properly and promptly can help lower the chances of developing arthritis.
Genetics
Certain genetic factors can increase susceptibility to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, genetics are not entirely deterministic – lifestyle also plays an important role.
People with family members who have rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk. Specific genes like HLA-DR4 are linked to greater odds of rheumatoid arthritis.
For osteoarthritis, having a mutated version of the COL2A1 gene leads to very early onset arthritis. Other genes like GDF5 also influence osteoarthritis risk.
Gender
For most types of arthritis, women are more commonly affected than men. After age 45, women have a higher rate of osteoarthritis than men. Rheumatoid arthritis also impacts women 2-3 times more frequently.
It’s believed that hormonal differences may be partly responsible for the higher arthritis rates seen in women. Fluctuating estrogen levels associated with events like menopause can negatively impact cartilage.
Bone density
People with lower bone mineral density tend to have higher rates of osteoarthritis, especially in the hip and knee. Conditions like osteoporosis that reduce bone density are linked to cartilage weakness and osteoarthritis development.
Building strong bones through weight-bearing exercise, vitamin D and calcium supplements can help lower osteoarthritis risk by preventing bone loss as you age.
Occupation
Jobs that place repetitive stress on certain joints or require frequent kneeling or squatting are associated with osteoarthritis:
| Occupation | OA Risk |
|---|---|
| Construction worker | Knee, hip |
| Factory worker | Hand, knee |
| Farmer | Hip, knee |
| Athlete | Knee, ankle, hip |
Taking frequent breaks, using proper form, and wearing knee pads are some ways to protect joints in higher risk professions.
Diabetes
Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes increases risk for osteoarthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints. In people with diabetes, high blood sugar damages joints in several ways:
- Forms advanced glycation end products (AGES) that make cartilage stiffer
- Increases inflammation
- Can worsen neuropathy, resulting in poor joint biomechanics
Keeping blood sugar under control can help people with diabetes avoid arthritis complications.
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol levels. Having metabolic syndrome increases the odds of developing osteoarthritis.
Some researchers believe that metabolic syndrome leads to systemic inflammation, which accelerates cartilage destruction. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet can help prevent metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion
While anyone can develop arthritis, certain factors like age, injury, and genetics put you at increased risk. There are also some modifiable risk factors like weight and occupation. Rheumatoid arthritis risk factors differ somewhat from osteoarthritis.
Being aware of arthritis risk factors allows you to take preventative measures. For example, someone with a family history of arthritis could engage in more joint protection through low-impact exercise and healthy eating. Understanding who gets arthritis serves as an important step in preventing and treating this common condition.