What is Arthritis?
The most common reason for joint replacement or repair is osteoarthritis, a chronic condition in which the cartilage that cushions the movement of the joints breaks down. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling around the joints. Without cartilage, the joint wears to the point that it may need replacement.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis affects more than 27 million American adults, including more than a third of those 65 and older. Humans have suffered from osteoarthritis as they aged for tens of thousands of years. Evidence of osteoarthritis' damage to the bone has been found in the bones of Neanderthal man and Egyptian mummies.
Factors that may contribute to developing osteoarthritis include age, weight, injury, overuse and genetics. As you get older, cartilage loses elasticity and is more easily damaged and years of wear and tear begin to affect the joints.
Genetics. Some arthritis seems to run in families. Also, your inherited bone structure may put extra stress on some joints, increasing the chances of osteoarthritis.
Injury or Overuse. Athletes and people who do a lot of repetitive motion, such as typing or operating machinery, have a higher risk of osteoarthritis due to stress on certain joints. Arthritis also develops as a result of injury to the bone. This doesn't mean you shouldn't do regular moderate exercise, which can strengthen the muscles around the joints, making them more stable.
Obesity: Increased body weight puts extra stress on your knees and hips.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, which generally affects people at a younger age than osteoarthritis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. It can lead to severe joint damage.