Causes of Arthritis - Osteoarthritis : Reducing Your Risk

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. Initially, symptoms may occur only following exercise, but over time may become constant. Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and when the back is affected weakness or numbness of the arms and legs. The most commonly involved joints are those near the ends of the fingers, at the base of the thumb, neck, lower back, knee, and hips. Joints on one side of the body are often more affected than those on the other. Usually the symptoms come on over years. It can affect work and normal daily activities. Unlike other types of arthritis, only the joints are typically affected

Musculoskeletal

4 causes

Protective Factors	Studies
Minor Protective Factor Moderate Exercise Selfcare	1 study Physical activity minimum threshold predicting improved function in... Study in 2016 -80% with Moderate evidence in 2 years 1,629 subjects
Minor Protective Factor Ginger Herb	1 study Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-an... Study in 2015 -22% with High evidence in 4 weeks 593 subjects
Minor Protective Factor Running Selfcare	1 study Running decreases knee intra-articular cytokine and cartilage oligo... Study in 2016 -8% with Low evidence in 30 mn 6 subjects

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Risk Factors	Studies
Strong Risk Factor Obesity Musculoskeletal system	1 study The incidence of co-morbidities related to obesity and overweight: ... Study in 2008 +276% with High evidence
Strong Risk Factor Smoking Contaminant	1 study Impact of smoking as a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthri... Study in 2009 +131% with High evidence in 20 years
Risk Factor Depression Brain system	2 studies Chronology of Onset of Mental Disorders and Physical Diseases in Me... Study in 2016 +236% with Moderate evidence 6,483 subjects Depression linked to disease activity and disability in adolescents... Study in 2016 +25% with Low evidence 102 subjects

Outcomes	References
Strong Risk Factor Fall Musculoskeletal system	1 study Recurrent and Injurious Falls in the Year Following Hip Fracture: A... Study in 2009 +386% with Moderate evidence 193 subjects
Minor Risk Factor Depression Brain system	1 study Depression linked to disease activity and disability in adolescents... Study in 2016 +50% with Low evidence 102 subjects