If My Mom Has Arthritis Does That Mean I Will Develop It As Well?
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage surrounding the joints begins to deteriorate. As a result of this, the bones begin to rub together, which leads to inflammation and pain. Reduced mobility and pain are two of the main symptoms that accompany this condition.
My mom has arthritis; does that mean that I will get it?
Arthritis has a tendency to run in families. However, just because your mother has arthritis does not necessarily mean that you will develop it. You need to make sure that you to your doctor early so that you can take the steps that are necessary for preventing this condition.
Your doctor may recommend that you take a joint supplement, such as chondroitin and glucosamine. These supplements help restore damaged cartilage and alleviate pain. Additionally, you can also reduce your risk of developing arthritis by taking care of your overall health. You need to engage in low-impact aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes five days out of the week. Swimming, yoga and Pilates are examples of low-impact activities. Exercising on a regular basis helps you maintain a normal body weight. Obesity is one of the other risk factors for arthritis.
Some people whose parents have been diagnosed with arthritis wonder if they will one day receive the same diagnosis. Similarly, parents who suffer from arthritis often wonder if their children will inherit their condition.
While heredity is among the numerous risk factors doctors believe to be associated with arthritis, a child will not necessarily develop arthritis simply because his or her parent has the condition. While some people may appear to be genetically predisposed to arthritis, doctors tend to avoid testing for the disorder unless the patient actually displays arthritic symptoms. Many people who exhibit genetic markers that are consistent with arthritis do not go on to develop the condition later in life. While these markers may indicate that a patient is susceptible to developing arthritis, they do not determine whether the disease will ever be present. Scientists currently believe that genetics in combination with other environment factors may contribute to the onset of arthritis.
Nevertheless, arthritis presents in many forms, and its exact cause remains unknown to doctors today.
Read more about Hand Arthritis
