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Arthritis Prevention

Most cases are not preventable. Find out if you have a family history of arthritis-related conditions. The goal is to diagnose and treat arthritis early.

Osteo-arthritis prevention

Some scientists believe that osteoarthritis may develop in some people if they abuse their joints (injure them many times or over-use them while injured). Take care not to over-work a damaged or sore joint, as this may help postpone or eliminate possible development of osteoarthritis.

Maintaining a good diet with an adequate intake of calcium can help to prevent osteoporosis as this optimises the attainment of peak bone mass. Maintaining a good diet may also help to prevent other musculoskeletal conditions.

Arthritis Prevention - exercise

Excess weight also increases the risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk for this. In men, being overweight increases the risk for developing gout. Maintain your recommended weight, particularly as you get older. Research shows that overweight middle-aged and older women who lose 11 pounds or more over 10 years can cut in half their risk for developing knee osteoarthritis.

Whether or not knee pain is felt, patients with signs of osteoarthritis in their X rays had thigh muscles that were considerably weaker than patients without signs of osteoarthritis. Strengthening muscles is assumed to provide greater support for the joints and to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

Regardless of any effect on the risk of getting osteoarthritis, regular exercise—especially weight-bearing exercise—helps maintain physical function and slows the development of disabilities significantly.

Arthritis prevention - Lyme Disease

Lyme arthritis may develop after a bacterial infection is transmitted to humans through tick bites. To prevent this type of arthritis, health experts advise people to use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while walking near wooded areas, and check for and remove ticks to help reduce the risk of getting the disease. CDC also recommends the prompt use of antibiotics for Lyme disease symptoms.

Here is a list of articles about arthritis prevention.

Green Tea Can Help Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

Coffee May Be Linked To Rheumatoid Arthritis

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