Despite its well-known reputation, most people don’t know arthritis isn’t a single disease. Instead, it is a blanket term that describes several specific disorders that affect joints and cause significant pain. While the risk of developing arthritis increases with age, it is far from inevitable. Understanding what can cause arthritis to develop can help you take steps to maintain the health of your joints.
Wear and Tear
Your joints experience significant levels of friction from daily activities. Some joints, such as your shoulder, may also have to bear substantial weight during the day. This amount of pressure results in a lot of wear and tear, which can gradually cause joints to deteriorate with age.
In order to protect your joints, your body relies on an elastic tissue called cartilage to absorb shock and allow bones in the joint to slide smoothly past each other. Cartilage acts as a cushion, providing a protective layer for the moving parts in your joints.
However, it does not have an abundant blood supply, and it takes a long time for the tissue to repair any damage it receives. If you overexert your joints for extended periods, the accumulated loss of tissue may eventually lead to osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage has worn down, and bones in the joint start to improperly touch each other with movement.
Trauma
In the same token as wear and tear, any direct trauma to the joints can increase the risk of arthritis. Even after the affected joints have healed, the damage may have caused some lingering injury to the cartilage.
Trauma can also compromise the ligaments and muscles that support the joint. If these structures are weakened, the joint may become less stable and more prone to future injuries.
Joint trauma is common in athletes, who regularly push their bodies to the limit. While physical activity is helpful for overall health, improper techniques can lead to sprains and fractures that damage the joints. A common form of trauma comes from the overuse of joints in repetitive movements. Injuries also occur when the joint is forced to extend beyond its normal range of motion, especially if the joint is bearing a heavy load.
Overactive Immune System
Another common arthritic disorder comes from an overactive immune system. This condition, called rheumatoid arthritis, occurs when immune cells recognize the inner lining of joints as foreign material. In response, the immune system launches an attack on this lining, causing pain and inflammation.
The targeted lining is the synovial membrane, which produces a thick fluid that lubricates and cushions the joints. As the immune system attacks this membrane, it becomes swollen and starts to malfunction. Without proper intervention, the immune system response can continue to destroy other joint structures, such as cartilage.
Arthritis Treatment and Prevention in Maryland
Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder specializes in orthopedic care for the upper extremities. Our team of health care providers works to provide professional care for many orthopedic conditions, including arthritis. If you have questions or would like to arrange an appointment, please call (410) 296-6232 or submit an appointment request using our online form.
