Causes of Osteoarthritis in Young Adults

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that impacts as many as 27 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The condition is an inflammation that takes place when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away. Cartilage is a buffer of sorts that lets your joints move smoothly. When cartilage starts to break down, your bones end up rubbing together when you move. The friction causes inflammation, pain, stiffness, and other uncomfortable symptoms. A number of the causes of osteoarthritis are out of your control. However, there are some lifestyle aspects that you can change, if required, to reduce your risk of developing OA.

Causes of Osteoarthritis in Young Adults

 1. Sports Injuries

The injury of a sports injury can cause osteoarthritis in adults of any age. Typical injuries that might result in OA include:

• torn cartilage
• dislocated joints
• ligament injuries

Sports-related knee injury such as ACL pressures and tears are especially dangerous when it pertains to increasing your risk of arthritis. Research published in Current Opinion in Rheumatology discovered that 41 to 51 percent of participants with previous knee injuries showed signs of OA in later years.

2. OA and Your Job

What you do for a living (or a hobby) could cause arthritis in many cases. OA is in some cases described as a “wear and tear” disease. Recurring straining of the joints can cause the cartilage to wear down too soon. People who carry out physical labor, kneel, squat, or climb stairs for hours at a time may be most likely to establish joint pain and tightness. The hands, knees, and hips prevail joints affected by occupation-related OA.

3. A Heavy Matter

Although OA impacts individuals of any ages, genders, and sizes, your risk increases if you’re obese. Excess body weight places added stress on your joints, especially your knees, hips, and back. It can also cause cartilage damage, which is the trademark of osteoarthritis. If you’re concerned about your risk, or are currently feeling joint pain, talk with your doctor about a suitable weight loss plan.

Other Causes of Osteoarthritis

Age Considerations

Arthritis is a common joint problem and is generally related to older adults. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), most people show symptoms of osteoarthritis by the time they are 70 years old. Nevertheless, OA is not restricted to baby boomers and other middle-aged populations. Younger adults can likewise feel the morning joint tightness, hurting pain, tender joints, and minimal variety of motion that signifies OA. More youthful people are most likely to develop arthritis as a direct result of an injury.

All in the Family

You’re more likely to struggle with OA symptoms if your parents, grandparents, or siblings have osteoarthritis. OA tends to run in the family, especially if you have hereditary joint defects. If you’re dealing with joint pain, get the information about your close loved ones’ symptoms before making a doctor’s appointment. Diagnosis of arthritis relies greatly on case history as well as a health examination. Finding out about your family’s health history can help your doctor develop a proper treatment prepare for you.

Gender Roles

Gender contributes in osteoarthritis too. In general, more women than men develop the progressive symptoms of OA. The two sexes are on equivalent ground: approximately the same quantity of each gender is impacted by arthritis, up until about age 55, according to the NLM. After the age of 55, women are more likely to have OA than men of the same age.

Bleeding and OA

Osteoarthritis can get worse, or brand-new symptoms can develop when you have other medical conditions including bleeding near a joint. People with the bleeding disorder hemophilia or a clog of blood circulation called avascular necrosis might likewise experience symptoms connected with OA. You’re likewise more at risk for OA if you have other types of arthritis, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

What Comes Next?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive medical condition. Most people find that their symptoms increase in time. Although OA doesn’t have a cure, there are various treatments available to ease your pain and maintain your mobility. Make an appointment with your doctor as quickly as you presume you may have arthritis; early treatment implies less time in pain, and more time living life to its max.