Many people are concerned about arthritis, but arthritis is just normal aging. Wait…that can’t be right? Can it? Yes, arthritis is just normal aging. If you live long enough, you will have arthritis to some degree. But how/why then do some people have issues, but others do not? Well, the answer to that is a bit more complicated and involves many factors.

To begin with, genetics can/do play a role. Some individuals are more prone to developing issues compared to others. This is a non-modifiable risk factor.

Other “modifiable” risk factors include prior/current activity level, injuries, body weight, and diet. Any of these modifiable risk factors can have an influence on whether a person experiences greater or less issues because of normal aging changes.

The final key piece of the puzzle is the overall pain experience. This is something that develops in a person over the course of their life. How people perceive the “pain experience” can influence whether they will deal with “arthritis” issues later in life.

When you put all these pieces of the puzzle together, you get how a person lives and functions as they age. For the person seeking to remain active and mobile as they age it is wise to take pre-emptive steps.

It is good for even people in their 30s/40s to start considering many of these factors. Think about changes in diet that can be made. Would it be beneficial to lose a few pounds, or for some gain a few? How could you change your exercise/fitness routine to get stronger or more flexible. Additional benefits of exercise also include increasing the pain threshold…meaning those who are more active with exercise may experience less pain.

Bottom line, arthritis is just normal aging. It is nothing to fear. But if you have future or current concerns then it is wise to consult with a physical therapist. Learn what steps you can take for now or even for the future to live with less pain as you age.

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