What We Know Right Now About Arthritis CausesWhat causes arthritis? Sounds like a simple question, right? Unfortunately, it's far from it. There are over one hundred different kinds of arthritis. The causes of some types are known, but others are not completely understood at this time. In this article, we'll list a few of the known or suspected causes of different types of arthritis. Genetics The HLA-B27 gene is found in over ninety percent of the individuals with ankylosing spondylitis, or arthritis of the spine. Since only two percent of people carrying HLA-B27 get AS, it's not a 'cause' per se, but it does illustrate why researchers believe a genetic component exists. Also, researchers in Japan have discovered that Asian people with a certain variant of the GDF5 gene were eighty percent more likely to get osteoarthritis of the hip. A connection between GDF5 and arthritis of the knee was also found, but it was not as pronounced. Infection In these cases, bacteria or virus invade the joint and that initiates the arthritis. The well-known staph and strep bacteria are two that are known to posess the ability to cause infectuous arthritis. Lyme disease is another. The bacteria get into the bloodstream via a cut or wound, or through something like an ear or throat infection. They then travel through the body, taking up residence in a joint, where they elicit an immune system response from the body. That response involves inflammation, which is the main symptom of arthritis. When arthritis is initiated by causes other than infection, the individual normally does not feel 'ill' - although arthritis symptoms themselves surely are nothing to belittle. However, if the person does feel sick, with symptoms like fever, and also has swelling or pain in a joint, the chances are that it is a case of infectious arthritis. Excess Body Weight It stands to reason that asking the joints of the body to support higher weights would put stress on the joints and cause them to experience above normal wear and tear, leading to pain and swelling. Age Some people believe that aging sentences a person to all sorts of ailments, including arthritis. While this is false, it is true that aged cartilage tends to be more susceptible to injury and less able to heal itself than in the days of youth. Overuse and Previous Injuries People who have certain occupations or who engage in sports which reqire repetitive motions or entail high impact forces, or those who have suffered injuries in the past, have a higher chance of getting arthritis. Retired baseball pitchers are an example of those who suffer from arthritis caused by repetitive overuse, and football players because of high impact and prior injuries. Diet While researchers in conventional medicine claim there's no conclusive proof that diet has anything to do with arthritis. There is too much anecdotal evidence from people who have tried various diets and seen great improvement or remission of their arthritis to deny that diet does have at least some influence on some types of arthritis. So, while we can't tell you exactly what causes each specific type of arthritis, we do know the names of many of the players in the game. With the research currently being done, soon we may be able to greatly increase the comfort level of those stricken by this disease. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I Cured My Arthritis - You Can Too" A Natural Arthritis Remedy... No Drugs... No Secret Formula... 43-Year Sufferer of Arthritis Shocks Her Doctors (Who Predicted She'd Soon Need A Wheelchair) With Her Natural Arthritis Cure Without Expensive Medication Or Surgery (And Challenges You To Do The Same!) Yes, the story of this lady's arthritis cure seems almost impossible. And incredible as it seems, it's all true. I'm about to let you in on the secret that got her thrown out of an arthritis convention - For trying to tell the truth - that the arthritis sufferers attending DIDN'T NEED the expensive drugs and treatments they were being sold... Now YOU can learn about the natural arthritis treatment that the medical community wants to keep from you - because it's not profitable to them. Read the secret that got this lady thrown out of the arthritis convention. Ankylosing Spondylitis Privacy Policy Contact Us Legal Information |