A guideline to understanding the causes of arthritis pain

Arthritis doesn't have one specific cause, but rather results from a variety of factors acting together. There are many forms of arthritis, so it can be difficult to distinguish exactly what causes each kind, but most types of arthritis are caused by a both genetics and environment. Once you understand what causes arthritis, you can better understand how to manage it.

Arthritis tends to run in families. Your body is made up of genetic traits passed along from your parents, and this means that you will be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents suffer from it. Although it may seem like bad luck, this is actually good news because there are ways of preventing arthritis in people who have a genetic predisposition. If you are aware that you are more prone to developing arthritis, talk with your doctor about specific activities to avoid and ways to reduce your chances of experiencing arthritis pain.

Your lifestyle can dictate whether you will develop arthritis or not. If you have a strenuous lifestyle that includes a lot of physical activity, you might be more likely to suffer from arthritis pain later in life. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't strive to remain active throughout your life.

Repetitive motions

Any kind of heavy, repetitive activity can cause unnecessary strain on your joints and contribute to arthritis later in life. Whenever possible, try to avoid any difficult activity that causes you to use the same muscles in the same way repeatedly, such as holding and using a mobile phone or typing on a keyboard. Finding little ways to vary these motions can be very helpful in avoiding arthritis later in life.

Infections like Lyme disease can cause severe arthritis pain. Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, but if you have spent time in a wooded area or have ever gotten a deer tick bite, be sure to get tested for it, as it's much easier to manage if it is caught early.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of arthritis, a medical health professional can help you diagnose and manage the pain. Knowing which factors in your life are contributing to your arthritis can help your doctor develop the best plan for you.