Is Arthritis Hereditary?

About fifty-three million Americans are affected by arthritis. So, what is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Most people who develop arthritis will see symptoms begin between the ages of 40 and 60, but due to certain risk factors, you may see symptoms in earlier years.

Genetic Influences

Arthritis is not hereditary. However, there are certain genes that can be passed from a parent to their offspring that could increase the child’s risk of developing arthritis at some point in their lives.

Genetic characteristics, such as slight joint defects, double-jointedness, or genetic defects, may contribute to the development of common arthritis conditions like osteoarthritis. Though these genetic characteristics may have an influence on the development of arthritis, they are not enough to cause the disease alone.

Parental Influence

While arthritis is not hereditary, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition if one, or both, of your parents have been diagnosed with the condition. This is especially true for autoimmune arthritic conditions like rheumatic arthritis.

Autoimmune diseases run in families. Because of this, rheumatoid arthritis most closely resembles a hereditary condition because genetic factors are more strongly linked to the development of the disease. However, just because a parent, one or both, has an autoimmune condition, does not mean that a child will develop the same condition.

Talking to a Rheumatologist

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to controlling the disease and preventing further complications. If you have a parent who is affected by arthritis, chances are they have a rheumatologist they go to. It is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your risk of developing arthritis and developing a plan if you end up with the condition.

Schedule Your Appointment

Call our clinic today at (402) 844-8227 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kumar in Norfolk or Columbus.