Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Joint Pain: Does persistent pain in your joints interfere with your daily routine?

Why do some people face joint issues at a higher rate than others? Joint pain emerges from different conditions affecting mobility and comfort while osteoarthritis remains the most frequent condition that restricts joint function. This blog post examines how DNA contributes to joint pain through genetic factors with special attention to osteoarthritis while exploring its impact on risk levels and treatment approaches.

Genetic Trait:

Joint pain sufferers frequently face severe discomfort from osteoarthritis which severely diminishes their quality of life. Osteoarthritis results from joint cartilage deterioration which causes pain and discomfort while knuckle cracking does not lead to arthritis. Doctors currently employ painkillers, creams and supplements to manage osteoarthritis symptoms and enhance joint function despite the disease being incurable by medical standards today. The likelihood of experiencing joint pain and developing osteoarthritis is determined by your genetic makeup. Genetic factors play a major role in the onset and advancement of osteoarthritis while explaining half of the variability in how much risk people face. Research shows that certain genes which influence collagen production and inflammatory responses as well as joint cell activity and bone strength determine osteoarthritis risk levels. The majority of people who surpass 55 years of age develop osteoarthritis while their genetic makeup remains the principal factor in determining their risk level. The risk of osteoarthritis develops more frequently in females and people with joint injuries and obesity while also being higher in individuals with bone deformities and diabetes. Genetic markers IGF-1, testosterone, and ApoB demonstrate how individual risks for hip and knee osteoarthritis differ according to personalized characteristics of the disease.

Practical Tips for Managing Joint Pain and Improving Joint Health:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Osteoarthritis risk increases with excess body weight due to extra stress on weight-bearing joints including knees and hips. By following a balanced diet and exercising regularly you can shield your joints from excessive strain and decrease the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
2. Stay Active: Regular exercise strengthens joint-supporting muscles which improves flexibility and reduces stiffness and pain. Low-impact physical activities like swimming, cycling and yoga reduce joint pressure while offering therapeutic benefits to osteoarthritis patients.
3. Consider Genetic Testing: Precision Health & Wellness tests from PlexusDx provide genetic testing to identify risk factors you may have for joint pain and osteoarthritis. Understanding your genetic risk factors allows you to make educated health choices and tailor your management tactics.

Osteoarthritis-related joint pain can significantly disrupt your daily activities. Investigating the genetic origins of joint pain and osteoarthritis generates critical risk profile data which supports tailored management approaches. PlexusDx sells Precision Health & Wellness tests on their official website PlexusDx.com and through Amazon and Walmart stores which readers should investigate to take action towards better joint health. Genetics form just one part of the complete picture when managing joint pain and osteoarthritis. Access personalized treatment advice from medical professionals that address your unique health needs. You improve your joint health management and well-being when you combine genetic research findings with professional medical recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the post say actually causes the joint pain of osteoarthritis?

The post says osteoarthritis results from deterioration of joint cartilage, which causes pain and discomfort and can severely diminish quality of life. It calls osteoarthritis the most frequent condition restricting joint function and says that by current medical standards it is not curable. Doctors manage symptoms with painkillers, creams and supplements to enhance joint function. The post also states that cracking your knuckles does not lead to arthritis.

How much of osteoarthritis risk does the post attribute to genetics?

The post says genetic factors explain half of the variability in how much osteoarthritis risk people face, and that genes influencing collagen production, inflammatory responses, joint cell activity and bone strength are involved. Half the variability across a population still leaves substantial room for everything else, and the article itself lists injury, obesity, diabetes and bone deformities among those other contributors.

Which non-genetic factors does the post say raise osteoarthritis risk?

The post says osteoarthritis develops more frequently in females and in people with joint injuries or obesity, and that risk is also higher in individuals with bone deformities and diabetes. Its practical advice follows from that list: maintain a healthy weight so weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips carry less stress, and stay active. Personalized advice should come from a medical professional.

Why does the post recommend low-impact exercise for painful joints?

The post says regular exercise strengthens joint-supporting muscles, which improves flexibility and reduces stiffness and pain. It names swimming, cycling and yoga as low-impact activities that reduce joint pressure while still offering therapeutic benefit to people with osteoarthritis. Anyone with persistent joint pain should get advice tailored to their own health needs before changing an exercise routine.

Can a wellness genetic report tell you whether you will get osteoarthritis?

No. A wellness genetic report describes variants associated with pathways such as collagen production and inflammation; it is educational information and does not establish that a person has or will develop osteoarthritis. The post itself says genetics form just one part of the complete picture and directs readers to medical professionals for advice that addresses their unique health needs.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.