Many people deal with a painful condition called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis isn’t an age-related disease. It isn’t something that only old people get. Young people can also develop osteoarthritis. It is important to understand the risk factors so you can take the necessary steps to avoid osteoarthritis if possible.

Osteoarthritis is a disease affecting the joints. A healthy joint is one in which cartilage is rebuilt as quickly as it is destroyed. People with osteoarthritis have cartilage that is not being rebuilt quickly enough.

The cartilage keeps the bones in the joints in position and enables them to move properly. It also provides cushioning between the bones in the joints. If there is damaged or no cartilage in the joint, the bones end up rubbing directly against each other and this can be very painful. Bone spurs can result from this constant rubbing, and eventually, the joint loses all its functionality.

It is not hard to figure out why arthritis is a painful condition but it is harder to figure out why this happens. There are thought to be several factors that increase your chances of losing cartilage in your joints and developing osteoarthritis. Here is a list of some of them:

• Age – After age 60, people are much more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis because the body produces less cartilage and the cartilage they have is not in good shape. Joints are also worn out to some extent from years of use.

• Genetics - You are more likely to have osteoarthritis if you have a family history of the disease.

• Weight - The heavier you, are the more pressure your weight-bearing joints have to deal with every day.

• Nutrition - The better your diet is and the more you try to eat healthy foods, the healthier your cartilage will be and the longer it will last.

• Injuries – If you injure your joints, you are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. Proper treatment and rehabilitation for any injuries to your joints will decrease the likelihood of this happening.

• Infection in Joints – Anytime you have a joint infection, it should be treated right away to avoid damage to the cartilage.

• Joint Inflammation – Swelling in the joints is not uncommon especially in old age. Repeated inflammations can be damaging over time.

These are the major factors that experts agree contribute to osteoarthritis. There are still factors that are not understood yet but will soon be as research continues. If you experience symptoms of osteoarthritis, make an appointment with your doctor right away to get a proper diagnosis.