What Causes Arthritis? 12 Common Causes (You Should Know)

Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the most common causes of pain due to arthritis. When there is tissue damage, the nerves carrying pain signals alert the brain when the body releases inflammatory chemicals at the site of the damaged tissue. Pain is vital to the body because it warns that something is wrong so the person can take medication or see a doctor. 

When the body releases chemicals into the swollen or damaged tissues, some of the chemicals leak into the tissues. Since there is more flood flow to the affected area, the white blood cells in the area increase, and together with the inflammatory chemicals, they irritate the joints to wear down the cartilage and induce swelling. 

One of the main culprits is cartilage deterioration, which causes osteoarthritis. Cartilage deterioration is a degenerative joint disease that often affects the joints people frequently use, such as the small joints of the hands, lower back, neck, knees, and hips. 

Several food ingredients can cause inflammation, such as processed or refined sugar, trans fats, saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids (found in oils and salad dressings), mono-sodium glutamate, refined carbohydrates, casein, and gluten.