How to Prevent Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis may develop due to many causes; therefore, making lifestyle changes may not prevent it from developing. But, the risk of advancing disease, can be reduced by taking appropriate measures.

Heredity, age, and gender are the risk factors for osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is also associated with occupational risk. The occupations that involve excessive walking, twisting, kneeling, lifting and bending can make an individual prone to arthritis.

Diabetes and high sugar levels

Excess cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and diabetes can increase inflammation and cartilage loss and thus affect the structure and function of the knee joint. In some people, diabetes goes hand in hand with arthritis.

Excess body weight or obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis

Obese individuals and especially women are prone to osteoarthritis as extra weight and pressure on the knees contribute to the deterioration of the cartilage and knee joint.

Management of body weight and regular physical activity can help in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.

Damaged cartilage can become prone to faster deterioration and thus the risk of osteoarthritis increases. Therefore, prevention of injury by adopting precautionary measures such as wearing shoes that fit well, reducing the risk of fall or tripping at home, and using protective gears while playing high-contact sports can help prevent injury.

Posture corrections and bone alignment tests can also help in the long-term risk of developing osteoarthritis.

How to Prevent Osteoarthritis – Exercise

Exercise is not only good for your overall health, but also for your bones’ health. It helps in improving the strength of your joints, muscles, cartilages, and bones. Moderate exercise is good for your joints’ health – particularly your knee joint. But, if you have difficulties with the mobility of your joints, it is better to seek medical help before starting any exercise.

Rest

When you use your joint excessively or overuse of your joints can make them prone to Osteoarthritis. (AO). It is better to take rest when your joints become painful, swollen, and stiff. If you injured a joint, let it heal, and to ensure healing allow it complete rest for 24 hours.

Bottom Line

Remember! You can only manage and reduce the magnitude of severity associated with osteoarthritis, but cannot cure it permanently. You can do it in many ways. There are ways by which you can reduce inflammation, pain, swelling, and soreness of your joints. The above discussed simple and practical lifestyle changes can works wonders for you. It’s not about how much rest, exercise and sleep you are ensuring, but, it’s all about your perseverance, determination and focus that can help manage all the symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Dr. Vasudeva Juvvadi