When you wake up in the morning, you feel stiff and unable to move the joints of your hands and feet, and you have severe pain and swelling in your fingers and knees—arthritis is a serious health problem that is widely seen not only in the elderly but also in young people. Although there are more than 100 types of arthritis, the main one is wear and tear and swelling that affects the joints. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind the occurrence of arthritis:
Autoimmune Response: The main scientific reason for the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis in young people is an autoimmune disorder. Due to false messages, the immune system that is supposed to protect our body starts attacking the ‘synovial’ membrane surrounding the joints as an enemy. This causes chronic severe swelling in the joints and changes in the structure of the bones over time.
Cartilage Wear and Tear: Osteoarthritis is a rheumatic disease that is common in the elderly and obese. Cartilage is the natural cushion between the joints to prevent two bones from rubbing against each other. With age or due to injuries to the joints, this cartilage wears down and the bones rub directly against each other, causing severe pain and difficulty walking.
Uric Acid Crystals (Gout): Gout is a rheumatic disease that occurs when the level of uric acid in the blood rises above the limit. Uric acid is produced in the body when the ‘purine’ in some of the foods we eat is digested. When the kidneys are unable to excrete it properly, this acid turns into needle-like crystals and accumulates in the joints (especially in the big toe). This causes sudden severe pain and redness.
Chronic infections and swelling (Infectious Arthritis): When bacterial and viral infections from any other part of the body spread to the joints through the blood, there is a sudden pus and swelling there. Chronic arthritis pain in the joints can also occur after viral fevers such as chikungunya and dengue fever, and as part of skin diseases such as psoriasis.
Genetics and hormonal changes (Genetics & Hormones): If parents or close relatives in the family have arthritis, the next generation is more likely to get it (especially in those with the HLA-B27 genetic structure). In addition, arthritis is more common in women than men. After menopause, the decrease in estrogen hormone in women causes bone loss and the risk of arthritis. Obesity and lack of exercise can increase this.
