Osteoarthritis (OA) arises as the cartilage that shields the joints from friction deteriorates over time. Primary risk factors for this condition include genetics, sex, and the aging process.
Because OA is partially brought about by factors that are uncontrollable, there is no way to completely prevent it. There are still various ways to lower your risk and decelerate its development, though.
Care with activities
Cartilage is known for not having strong healing properties. Since that’s the case, when you damage a joint, it becomes almost 600% likelier to eventually exhibit arthritic symptoms, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Put another way, approximately half of those who suffer trauma to a joint will be diagnosed with osteoarthritis down the line.
To protect joints, wear protective gear and try to stay away from baseball diamonds that don’t have break-away bases.
Exercise
Exercise has numerous benefits for osteoarthritis. It improves your flexibility, lowers the amount of pain you experience, and strengthens your muscles. “Arthritis experts recommend low-impact exercises to improve joint health,” notes Healthline. Combine cardiovascular exercise with stretching and strength-building.
Control weight
If you are overweight, getting your body into the healthy range can be the most critical step to OA prevention, explains WebMD. A broad research effort called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis in women by almost 300%. For obese men, the risk increases almost 400%.
Blood sugar
Studies have demonstrated that diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors leading to OA. When the blood sugar level is elevated, the body creates more molecules that increase cartilage rigidity and make it less able to handle natural movement. Because of this process, the majority of diabetic adults in the United States are also diagnosed with arthritis.
Healthy lifestyle
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to address all factors that make us more vulnerable to osteoarthritis. As we age, the risk increases, perhaps because the quantity of cartilage cells naturally decreases. Women are also more at risk, which could have to do with the decrease in estrogen during the aging process.
A healthy lifestyle is the best defense, says the Arthritis Foundation: “[t]he way you eat, exercise, sleep, manage stress and interact with others, and whether you smoke or drink can have a tremendous influence… on the health of your joints.”
Expert care
Are you currently suffering from osteoarthritis? At Flexogenix, we offer the latest non-surgical techniques for treating knee and joint pain, including viscosupplementation and regenerative medicine with advanced biologics. Explore our treatment options.
