The cause of most types of arthritis is unknown. It’s likely that there are many different causes. Researchers are examining the role of genetics (heredity) and lifestyle behaviors in the development of arthritis.

Although the exact cause of arthritis may not be known, there are several risk factors for arthritis. A risk factor is a trait or behavior that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease or predisposes a person to a certain condition. Risk factors for arthritis include:

• Age. The risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age.
• Gender. In general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men.
• Obesity. Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear and tear, and increasing the risk of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.
• Work factors. Some jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress the joints and/or cause an injury, which can lead to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
• Your genetic makeup. Certain types of arthritis run in families and are at least partially inherited.

How Common Is Arthritis?

Arthritis affects more than 180 million people in India – prevalence higher than many well-known diseases such as diabetes, AIDS and cancer. Around 14% of the Indian population seeks a doctor’s help every year for this joint disease.