Family history. Arthritis sometimes are heriditary, so you may develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disease.  Age. The risk of arthritis — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout — increases with age. Your sex. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men, while most of the people with gout are men. Previous joint injury. People with a joint injury are more likely to eventually develop arthritis in that joint. Obesity. Obese people are at a higher risk of developing arthritis as carrying those extra pounds puts stress on joints, like your knees, hips and spine.