Is Arthritis Hereditary?
Living with joint pain, or worrying that you may develop it due to your family history, can naturally raise concerns about what lies ahead for your health. Arthritis is extremely common, affecting more than 53 million adults in the United States, but not all cases develop for the same reasons.
While age, activity level, and past injuries all play roles, genetics also contributes to several major forms of arthritis. Understanding how your family history contributes to your overall risk can help you stay proactive, recognize symptoms early, and feel more in control of your long-term joint health.
What Does “Hereditary” Mean in Arthritis?
When a condition has a hereditary component, specific genetic traits may contribute to a higher risk of developing it. Arthritis isn’t inherited in a simple, predictable pattern. Instead, you may have a higher chance of developing a specific type of arthritis compared to someone without a family history.
A genetic risk does not mean arthritis is inevitable. It means your body may be more sensitive to triggers such as inflammation, metabolic changes, or mechanical stress.
Types of Arthritis With Genetic Links
Different types of arthritis involve the immune system, cartilage, metabolism, or structural alignment of the joints. As a result, each form has its own distinct hereditary pattern.
Below are the types of arthritis most commonly associated with genetics.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is the "wear-and-tear" arthritis many people associate with aging, but genetics influences this form more than many realize. Joint shape, cartilage quality, and natural alignment can all be inherited and may affect how quickly the joint experiences stress over time.
Your risk may be higher if:
Close relatives have osteoarthritis
Your family has a history of early joint degeneration
You’ve inherited alignment patterns that increase stress on certain joints
Heritability estimates for OA range from 40–65%, depending on the joint involved.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, and genetics play a meaningful role in who develops it. Specific inherited immune markers, such as the HLA-DRB1 “shared epitope”, increase the likelihood of an autoimmune response that targets the joints.
You may have a higher RA risk if:
A close relative has RA
Autoimmune disease runs in your family
You carry known genetic markers linked to RA
Genetics are believed to contribute 40–60% of RA risk. Environmental factors, including smoking, infections, and hormonal changes, also influence when the disease develops and how it progresses.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Psoriatic arthritis is closely tied to family history. About one-third of people with PsA have a relative with psoriasis or PsA, reflecting its strong genetic connection.
You may be at increased risk if:
You have psoriasis
You have relatives with psoriasis or PsA
You suffer from swollen toes or fingers, or prolonged morning stiffness
Gout
Gout has one of the strongest hereditary patterns among arthritic conditions. Genetic tendencies influence how your body processes uric acid, which can lead to crystal buildup and sudden, painful flares.
Your risk may be higher if:
Multiple relatives have gout
You’ve inherited metabolic traits that raise uric acid levels
Your kidneys process purines less efficiently
Lifestyle choices can influence symptoms, but genetics play a role in how the body regulates uric acid.
Does Family History Increase Your Risk?
Having relatives with arthritis doesn’t mean you will develop it. Still, it can raise your risk, especially when combined with other factors such as age, previous joint injuries, body weight, activity level, and autoimmune or metabolic conditions. People with the same family history can still have very different outcomes.
Your risk may be higher if multiple relatives share the same diagnosis, a parent or sibling developed arthritis at a younger age, or you’ve begun noticing symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, or unexplained joint pain. If these patterns sound familiar, a rheumatology evaluation can help clarify your risk and determine whether early monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Can You Lower Your Risk If Arthritis Runs in Your Family?
Genetics influence susceptibility, but your daily choices still play a significant role. Evidence-based strategies to protect your joints include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Staying active with low-impact exercise
Avoiding smoking, which increases RA risk
Managing blood sugar and metabolic health
Protecting joints from repetitive strain
Evaluating persistent stiffness or swelling early
For autoimmune arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment, particularly within the first three to six months, can help prevent long-term joint damage.
When to See a Rheumatologist
Consider evaluation if you come across:
Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
Persistent joint pain or swelling
Warmth or redness around joints
Fatigue along with joint symptoms
A family history of autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis
Early assessment provides clarity, helps identify hereditary patterns, and offers a path to symptom relief and long-term protection.
Get Expert Arthritis Care at Remedy Rheumatology
If arthritis runs in your family, or if you're beginning to notice early symptoms, a rheumatologist can help evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate guidance. Our team at Remedy Rheumatology offers individualized, evidence-based care for a wide range of arthritic and autoimmune conditions.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward improved comfort and reduced pain, reach out today to schedule a consultation.