If you’ve watched your relatives struggle with stiffness, pain, and swelling in their joints, you may find yourself wondering, is arthritis hereditary?
Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints (and sometimes tendons and ligaments) caused by the breakdown of the connective, cushioning tissues and cartilage. The word arthritis itself is a term that describes over 100 different diseases, and although it’s still not well understood, experts assume that genetics can be an influencing factor in arthritis.
But just because your grandmother had arthritis pain doesn’t mean you will, too.
In this article, we’ll look at how genetics can influence arthritis, what genes and markers you can test for to understand your own risk of developing the inflammatory condition, and how specific measures (like wearing arch support shoes for women and men’s arch support shoes) can help prevent or slow down progressing arthritis.
What Does Genetics Have to Do With Arthritis?
A hereditary or genetic condition refers to an issue that runs in families. In other words, genetics may predispose you to develop certain diseases.
While some disorders come from your chromosomes, others—like cancer, diabetes, migraines, and arthritis—are considered “complex” or “multifactoral.” Genetics plays a role, but so do other external factors like lifestyle habits, environment, or the use of certain medications.
So, is arthritis genetic?
Like many other medical conditions, the connection between having a genetic predisposition and developing arthritis is complicated. Although some types of arthritis include genetic factors, it can be challenging to know exactly how (or how much) genetics influences a person’s unique experience of arthritis.
Types of Arthritis Linked to Genetics
Let’s look at four of the most common types of arthritis and how genetics plays a role in each.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Also known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis, or OA, affects more than 32 million adults in America alone. It gets its name from cartilage degeneration (and eventual loss) between joints.
People with osteoarthritis experience:
- Chronic pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling
- Limited or reduced range of motion
However, there may be a type of osteoarthritis caused by genetics. In this form of the disease, there are mutations in the genes that produce collagen, making the cartilage around the joint more likely to break down. About 40 to 65% of osteoarthritis cases have some kind of genetic component. However, osteoarthritis is a true “multifactoral” disease since no single gene causes the condition, and external factors can influence it.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is the only type of arthritis that is tied to genetic variants, even though other outside factors, like smoking cigarettes or high stress, could also be at play.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which is a (mostly) natural degradation of tissues, RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining around the joints.
The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Swelling around the joints
- Nodules under the skin of the affected area (usually the elbows and hands)
Though the exact cause of RA is unknown, it’s believed that over 100 different genes could impact RA. Experts have found that about 37% of heritability comes from genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which help govern immune responses.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
This type of arthritis is slightly more rare in the general population (less than 1% of people, usually white men, suffer from the disease). Like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease most commonly found in the spine. The disease can eventually cause the vertebrae to fuse.
People with AS often experience the following:
- Dull chronic pain in the lower back and glutes
- Inflammation where connective tissues meet the bone, like in the arch of the foot
- Eye trouble, including blurred vision
Experts believe that about 60 different genes could be tied to AS, most having to do with the immune system and inflammation.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Like RA and AS, this arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Psoriatic arthritis often crops up in people who have psoriasis, where the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing red, scaly skin.
PsA often results in the following:
- Sausage-like swelling in the fingers and toes
- Pain and swelling in a joint, accompanied by a psoriasis spot
- Fatigue
Though genetics play a minor role in psoriatic arthritis, there may be a possibility of heritability—about 40% of people with PsA have a close family member with the same disease.
Other Factors
Given all we’ve covered, it’s natural to wonder, “Is arthritis hereditary?” However, genetics aren’t the only factor that determines whether or not you’ll end up with arthritis. Other elements to consider include:
- Age – Arthritis tends to affect people over 50 and can be a natural aspect of aging.
- Weight – Carrying excess body weight can put more strain on your joints, which may cause cartilage to break down faster.
- Sex at birth – Though arthritis can impact any person regardless of sex at birth, certain types of arthritis may affect females more than males and vice versa. For example, females (at birth) may suffer from osteoarthritis or RA more often, while males (at birth) may struggle with AS more often.
- Injury – Dislocations or fractured joints may cause post-traumatic arthritis.
- Overuse of joints – Athletes or people in certain professions may be more likely to experience joint pain and arthritis due to repetitive motions that put stress on the joints.
Genetic Testing for Arthritis
One way you can better understand your own arthritis is to undergo genetic testing. This analysis of your DNA can give you insight into your condition, whether confirming a diagnosis or predicting the likelihood of arthritis developing. It can also help you develop a personalized treatment plan depending on your specific condition.
Preventative Measures
Regardless of your genetics, there are some preventative measures you can take to help reduce your risk of arthritis or delay the onset of symptoms, including:
- Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
- Avoiding smoking cigarettes
- Playing sports with the proper safety equipment
- Staying active through a mix of mobility exercises, strength training, and aerobic exercise
- Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
How the Proper Footwear Can Help You Manage Arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis in your feet, chances are you find any kind of movement painful. Fortunately, orthopedic shoes can help minimize stress in your joints with:
- Arch support – Enhanced arch support reduces pressure on affected joints, making it less painful to walk around.
- Proper cushioning – Supportive shoes use cushioning in the midsole for better shock absorption and more power as you move.
- More size options – Arthritis in the feet can cause more swelling than usual, as well as bone deformities like “claw toes” and bone spurs. Wider shoes and a square-toe box can give your feet more room.
Since you can get arthritis in your feet, it’s crucial to select the right shoes, as they can help alleviate pain and reduce the daily strain your feet endure.
Stylish Shoes for Arthritic Feet
Living with arthritis in your feet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy stylish shoes. In fact, at Vionic, we make all of our shoes with comfort and style in mind. In particular, our biomechanically engineered footbeds, deep heel cups, and flexible designs ensure high-quality support that will keep you moving forward.
Let’s look at a few of the best shoes for arthritic feet that can help alleviate joint pain and inflammation:
Best Walking Shoes for Arthritis
If you struggle with arthritis, you may be tempted to forgo exercise because of the discomfort it causes. However, experts agree that exercise is actually one of the best ways to manage arthritis symptoms.
Walking is a great exercise for arthritis sufferers. And in an ultra-supportive walking shoe, it can even be fun! The fan-favorite 23Walk Classic Sneaker has been transformed into the 23Walk 2.0, featuring upgraded materials for even better performance. Enjoy the same unmatched Vio Motion support that made the original a staple, now with a breathable, moisture-wicking mesh liner that reduces friction for all-day comfort.
Top Office Shoes for Arthritis
Business shoes don’t have to be stiff and uncomfortable. Vionic combines timeless shoes for the office with serious support for an eye-catching shoe you can wear all day long. Try the Willa Slip-on Flat for a sleek look or the Uptown Loafer for a little more oomph (and excellent packability).
Casual Kicks for Arthritis
Simply living your everyday life doesn’t have to be painful, either. Discover comfort in the styles you love, from the versatility of the Winny Sneaker to the summery vibes of the Bella Toe Post Sandal.
Live Your Life in Comfort and Style With Vionic
The question, “Is arthritis hereditary?” is a complicated one. The connection between arthritis and our genetic makeup is still a bit of a mystery. Although several types of arthritis show signs of heritability, you won’t always get arthritis just because someone in your family has it.
In addition, there are many external factors that may cause arthritis or lead to disease progression. Your age, lifestyle habits, diet, previous injuries, other medical conditions, and even medication can make you predisposed to arthritis.
While you can analyze your DNA to better understand which of your genetic markers may cause certain arthritis conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, a genetic test can only confirm a diagnosis or help you create a more personalized health plan. Fortunately, preventative measures can help slow down the progression of the disease, such as eating a healthy diet, staying active, avoiding carcinogens in things like cigarettes, and wearing supportive footwear.
Speaking of supportive footwear, why not try experiencing a new level of balance and alignment with Vionic? Our podiatrist-approved technology ensures comfort with every step. And, whether you’re looking for a fun pair of sandals, a technical pair of walking shoes, recovery shoes for men, or women’s recovery shoes, Vionic has you covered with chic and trendy styles.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. “Is Arthritis Hereditary?” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-arthritis-hereditary
Cleveland Clinic. “Genetic Disorders: What Are They, Types, Symptoms & Causes.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21751-genetic-disorders
VeryWell Health. “Is Arthritis Hereditary?” https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-arthritis-hereditary-5088877#toc-psoriatic-arthritis
GoodRx. “Is Arthritis Hereditary? Yes, But You Can Decrease Your Risk.”
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/arthritis/is-arthritis-hereditary
Cleveland Clinic. “Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14616-post-traumatic-arthritis
American Arthritis Foundation. “Exploring the Role of Genetics in Arthritis: Can It Be Inherited?”
Arthritis.org. “How to Reduce Your Risk of Arthritis.” https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/reduce-your-risk