While many of the causes of arthritis are a mystery, researchers and doctors have narrowed down the list of things that don’t cause the condition. First of all, it should be noted that there are two main types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the body is attacking itself. The body’s immune system goes wacky, and arthritis is the result – joint pain, fever, and fatigue. OA is caused by the breakdown of protective cartilage around a joint. It is more common in older people, and tends to affect the weight-bearing joints (knees, hips) first.

• Overworking a joint will not cause OA. If it did, right-handed people would suffer from chronic wrist and elbow problems in that particular limb beginning at around age 30.

• Cracking your knuckles might be annoying to others, but it doesn’t cause arthritis.

• Cold, damp weather or having a cold draft blow over you constantly won’t cause arthritis, but it can aggravate the condition if you already have it.

• Poor posture doesn’t cause arthritis, but if you have OA, it could eventually lead to spine degeneration, which might cause a stooped posture.

And growing old is not a guaranteed ticket to achy joints; while it’s true that OA affects more seniors than any other age group, there are plenty of septuagenarians whose joints are in primo condition.