When people think of arthritis, they picture an older person struggling to use their hands or move. However, arthritis is a condition that affects people of all ages. And the type of arthritis, as well as other factors, can impact when it begins.
Types of Arthritis
There are many types of arthritis; the two main types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that lines your joints begins to wear down, allowing your bones to rub together each time you use the affected joint. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint.
Even though osteoarthritis is most common in people over the age of 60, it can begin in people as young as 20.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation damages cartilage, leading to deformed joints and even bone damage. Rheumatoid arthritis most often develops in people between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can start at any age.
Developing Arthritis: Contributing Factors
You may be more likely to develop some kind of arthritis if you are overweight. Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on your knees and other joints, leading them to wear down.
Joint injuries can also lead to the development of arthritis. This is one of the most common reasons why young people develop osteoarthritis. Repetitive overuse can damage the joint as well, leading to arthritis.
If you smoke, you have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. One of the reasons for this is that smoking causes inflammation throughout the body.
Managing Your Arthritis
One of the latest treatment options for arthritis is regenerative medicine. By triggering your body’s natural healing process, regenerative medicine options like stem cell therapy provide the chance to not only manage symptoms but to treat the underlying cause of the condition as well.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for the joints, also known as stem cell therapy for joints! Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
