Osteoarthritis Prevention

Author : Kristy Annely 

With Osteoarthritis, prevention is preferable to a cure. If we follow this maxim we can alleviate some of the pain and discomfort through healthy-living strategies and self-care techniques. Osteoarthritis is a degenerating disease affecting the cartilage of joints over the years. Osteoarthritis is generally an age related condition inconveniencing American men and women who are 40 years old or older. It can be genetic or caused by injury or trauma.

If Osteoarthritis runs in the family, the best preventive measure would be to follow a healthy lifestyle and a regular exercise program. This will help slow the onset of the disease by strengthening muscles around arthritic joints. Consult a doctor or work with a physical therapist to design an exercise program suited to your body weight and medical condition. Walking is the best exercise, and riding a stationary exercise bicycle or doing aquatic exercises is also helpful. Another option is tai chi for strengthening and relaxation techniques and improving balance. Exercise should be done in moderation and you should consult a doctor if you experience excessive pain.

For Osteoarthritis patients, obesity is a major cause of worry. Along with age, any excess weight puts added stress on back, hips and knee joints and makes joint surgery risky. A healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps in controlling weight and also in effective treatment of Osteoarthritis. Another way to prevent further worsening of Osteoarthritis is appropriate footwear for walking, exercising, and evening wear that will put less strain on your weight-bearing joints or back.

Osteoarthritis affects the activities of everyday life. To cope with increasing demands on the body, we need to practice relaxation techniques or yoga and meditation to develop a positive attitude. Even if you cannot prevent Osteoarthritis, it is a good idea to learn the limits of your body so that you can modify your lifestyle to avoid unnecessary pain.