Osteoarthritis, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis : Causes and Risk Factors

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 2 of 7)

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes the various forms of arthritis. They are studying risk factors to determine why some people develop the disease and others do not.

Scientists have some understanding of the factors that cause osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. These are the three most common forms of arthritis among older adults.

Osteoarthritis Causes and Risk Factors

Researchers suspect that osteoarthritis is caused by a combination of factors in the body and the environment. The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. By age 65, half of the population has x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint, most often in the hips, knees, or fingers.

Drawing of damaged bones. Osteoarthritis often results from years of wear and tear on joints. This wear and tear mostly affects the cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage begins to fray, wear away, and decay.

Putting too much stress on a joint that has been previously injured, improper alignment of joints, and excess weight all may lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

Quiz

1. The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.

TRUE is the correct answer. The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. By age 65, half the population has x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint.

2. Researchers suspect that osteoarthritis is caused only by environmental factors.

FALSE is the correct answer. Researchers suspect that osteoarthritis is caused by a combination of factors including being overweight, the aging process, joint injury, and sports activities.

3. Joint injuries from sports, work-related activities, or accidents increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

TRUE is the correct answer. People with joint injuries from sports, work-related activities, or accidents may be at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

4. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage begins to fray, wear away, and decay, often as a result of years of wear and tear on joints.

TRUE is the correct answer. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away. This allows bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the affected joint.

5. Excess weight is a factor in the development of osteoarthritis.

TRUE is the correct answer. Putting too much stress on a joint that has been previously injured, improper alignment of joints, and excess weight all may lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes and Risk Factors

Rheumatoid arthritis results from the interaction of many factors such as genes, hormones, and the environment. Research suggests that a person's genetic makeup is an important part of the picture, but not the whole story.

Some evidence shows that infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, may trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with an inherited tendency to develop the disease. However, a specific agent or agents are not yet known.

It is important to note that rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious. A person cannot catch it from someone else.

Quiz

1. Environmental factors may play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

TRUE is the correct answer. Rheumatoid arthritis may result from the interaction of many factors, such as genetics, hormones, and the environment.

2. Genes help determine who will get rheumatoid arthritis.

TRUE is the correct answer. Research suggests that a person's genetic makeup is an important factor in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Researchers have identified a specific infectious agent that triggers rheumatoid arthritis.

FALSE is the correct answer. Some evidence shows that particular infectious agents may trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with an inherited tendency to develop the disease. However, there is no known specific infectious agent, or agents which are responsible for rheumatoid arthritis in all individuals.

4. Rheumatoid arthritis is contagious. A person can catch it from someone else.

FALSE is the correct answer. Rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious. A person cannot catch it from someone else. Infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, may trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with an inherited tendency to develop the disease.

Gout Causes and Risk Factors

Researchers have discovered some of the risk factors for gout. Up to 8 percent of people with gout have a family history of the disease. In addition to inherited traits, diet, weight, and alcohol play a role in the development of gout. The disease is more common in men.

Most people with gout have too much uric acid in their blood, a condition called hyperuricemia. The extra uric acid moves from the blood to the joints, which may trigger the inflammation seen in gout.

Quiz

1. Some people with gout have a family history of the disease.

TRUE is the correct answer. Up to 8 percent of people with gout have a family history of the disease.

2. Diet, weight, and alcohol are risk factors in the development of gout.

TRUE is the correct answer. In addition to inherited traits, diet, weight, and alcohol play a role in the development of gout.

3. Hyperuricemia occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood.

TRUE is the correct answer. Most people with gout have too much uric acid in their blood, a condition called hyperuricemia.

4. Women are more likely to develop gout than men.

FALSE is the correct answer. Adult men, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 50, are more likely to develop gout than women.

5. Scientists know very little about the risk factors for developing gout.

FALSE is the correct answer. Researchers have pinpointed the major risk factors for developing gout. In addition to inherited traits, diet, weight, and alcohol play a role in the development of gout.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.