Many adults are experiencing joint pains, swelling, morning stiffness and limitation of movements. These symptoms that they are experiencing are symptoms of a joint disorder known as arthritis. Many people know about arthritis but only few have knowledge about the real cause of arthritis.The cause of arthritis depends on its types. Let us focus on knowing the cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still a mystery. It is thought to be triggered by the combination of genetics and environmental factors. It is believed by some researchers that a certain bacteria or virus is responsible for the development of this condition yet until now this statement is not yet proven. Most of the specialist also believes that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. When we say autoimmune disorder, it means that your own immune system attacks the healthy cells of your body. How does this happen? Once rheumatoid arthritis is starting to develop, body’s own protein is being recognized by the immune system as foreign body. If you are going to ask what protein is it, the answer would be “unidentified yet”. But what is known is that this type of protein may have genetic connection.
After this own protein has been identified as foreign, the immune system will start to respond. The lymphocytes which are part of the immune response will release cytokines and trigger the inflammation and destruction. The most part of the body that is affected by this reaction is the synovium or the membrane that lines the joints. This part is always affected in rheumatoid arthritis. The cytokines that triggers the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is what we call as the TNF or the tumor necrosis factor and also the interleukin-1.
Other causes or risk factors of arthritis include gender and age. Females are mostly affected by this condition compared to the males. It is also believed that women who just gave birth and are pregnant are at great risk of having this kind of disease. In terms of age, the older the person is the greater the risk of having arthritis. Also, when one women or person has the specific gene known as human leukocyte antigen, he/she is at risk of having rheumatoid arthritis. There are other factors that contribute to the development of this condition. This includes cigarette smoking and having a family history of arthritis.
In order for you to prevent this condition, all you have to do is to avoid the mentioned modifiable factor of arthritis. Also, if you have family history of arthritis and are experiencing symptom immediately call your doctor. You should also maintain a healthy diet. Exercising is also one way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis. You also need to drink plenty of water and have enough rest and sleep.