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If you\u2019ve watched your relatives struggle with stiffness, pain, and swelling in their joints, you may find yourself wondering,<\/span> is arthritis hereditary?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n 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\u2019s still not well understood, experts assume that genetics can be an influencing factor in arthritis.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But just because your grandmother had arthritis pain doesn\u2019t mean you will, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019ll 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 <\/span>arch support shoes for women<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> men\u2019s arch support shoes<\/span><\/a>) can help prevent or slow down progressing arthritis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A hereditary or genetic condition refers to an issue that runs in families. In other words, genetics may predispose you to develop certain diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While some disorders come from your chromosomes, others\u2014like cancer, diabetes, migraines, and arthritis\u2014are considered \u201ccomplex\u201d or \u201cmultifactoral.\u201d Genetics plays a role, but so do other external factors like lifestyle habits, environment, or the use of certain medications.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So, is arthritis genetic?<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s unique experience of arthritis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at four of the most common types of arthritis and how genetics plays a role in each.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Also known as \u201cwear-and-tear\u201d arthritis, osteoarthritis, or OA, affects more than 32 million adults in America alone.<\/span> It gets its name from cartilage degeneration (and eventual loss) between joints.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n People with osteoarthritis experience:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span> About 40 to 65% of osteoarthritis cases have some kind of genetic component.<\/span> However, osteoarthritis is a true \u201cmultifactoral\u201d disease since no single gene causes the condition, and external factors can influence it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n RA is the only type of arthritis that is tied to genetic variants,<\/span> even though other outside factors, like smoking cigarettes or high stress, could also be at play.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike osteoarthritis, which is a (mostly) natural degradation of tissues, RA is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining around the joints.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:<\/span><\/p>\n Though the exact cause of RA is unknown, it\u2019s believed that over 100 different genes could impact RA.<\/span> Experts have found that about 37% of heritability comes from genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which help govern immune responses.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This type of arthritis is slightly more rare in the general population (less than 1% of people, usually white men, suffer from the disease).<\/span> Like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease most commonly found in the spine. The disease can eventually cause the vertebrae to fuse.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n People with AS often experience the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Experts believe that about 60 different genes could be tied to AS, most having to do with the immune system and inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n Like RA and AS, this arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease.<\/span> Psoriatic arthritis often crops up in people who have psoriasis, where the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing red, scaly skin.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n PsA often results in the following:<\/span><\/p>\n Though genetics play a minor role in psoriatic arthritis, there may be a possibility of heritability\u2014about 40% of people with PsA have a close family member with the same disease.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Given all we\u2019ve covered, it\u2019s natural to wonder, \u201cIs arthritis hereditary?\u201d However, genetics aren\u2019t the only factor that determines whether or not you\u2019ll end up with arthritis. Other elements to consider include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you suffer from <\/span>arthritis in your feet<\/span><\/a>, chances are you find any kind of movement painful. Fortunately, <\/span>orthopedic shoes<\/span><\/a> can help minimize stress in your joints with:<\/span><\/p>\n Since you can get arthritis in your feet<\/a>, it’s crucial to select the right shoes, as they can help alleviate pain and reduce the daily strain your feet endure.<\/span><\/p>\n Living with arthritis in your feet doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t enjoy stylish shoes. In fact, at Vionic, we make all of our shoes with comfort <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at a few of the best shoes for arthritic feet<\/a> that can help alleviate joint pain and inflammation:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Walking is a great exercise for arthritis<\/a> sufferers. And in an ultra-supportive walking shoe, it can even be fun! The fan-favorite <\/span>23Walk Classic Sneaker<\/span><\/a> has been transformed into the <\/span>23Walk 2.0<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Business shoes don\u2019t 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 <\/span>Willa Slip-on Flat<\/span><\/a> for a sleek look or the <\/span>Uptown Loafer<\/span><\/a> for a little more oomph (and excellent packability).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Simply living your everyday life doesn\u2019t have to be painful, either. Discover comfort in the styles you love, from the versatility of the <\/span>Winny Sneaker<\/span><\/a> to the summery vibes of the <\/span>Bella Toe Post Sandal<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The question, \u201cIs arthritis hereditary?\u201d 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\u2019t always get arthritis just because someone in your family has it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019re looking for a fun pair of <\/span>sandals<\/span><\/a>, a technical pair of <\/span>walking shoes<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>recovery shoes for men<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>women\u2019s recovery shoes<\/span><\/a>, Vionic has you covered with chic and trendy styles.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Cleveland Clinic. <\/span>\u201cIs Arthritis Hereditary?\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/is-arthritis-hereditary<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Cleveland Clinic. <\/span>\u201cGenetic Disorders: What Are They, Types, Symptoms & Causes.\u201d <\/span><\/i>https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21751-genetic-disorders<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n VeryWell Health. <\/span>What Does Genetics Have to Do With Arthritis?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Types of Arthritis Linked to Genetics<\/span><\/h2>\n
Osteoarthritis (OA)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Other Factors\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Genetic Testing for Arthritis\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Preventative Measures<\/span><\/h2>\n
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How the Proper Footwear Can Help You Manage Arthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Stylish Shoes for Arthritic Feet\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Best Walking Shoes for Arthritis<\/span><\/h3>\n
Top Office Shoes for Arthritis<\/span><\/h3>\n
Casual Kicks for Arthritis\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Live Your Life in Comfort and Style With Vionic<\/span><\/h2>\n