Prevention of Arthritis

Although arthritis is a natural condition that occurs as one ages and the wear and tear of the joints breaks down the cartilage between the bones, there are steps that can be taken towards the prevention of arthritis. By following basic arthritis prevention tips, one can successfully prevent the development of the condition or, at the very least, minimize its progression and effects.

Arthritis Prevention Tips from QualityHealth

QualityHealth is your resource for the prevention of arthritis. From understanding the condition’s causes to incorporating lifestyle changes to prevent it, QualityHealth provides a wealth of information on everything related to arthritis.

As a member of QualityHealth, you get quick and convenient access to the most up to date arthritis prevention tips. Here’s just a sampling of the expert arthritis prevention advice you can expect from QualityHealth:

• Don’t Just Sit There: Living a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy regardless of whether or not you have arthritis. However, it is particularly troublesome for those prone to arthritis. Even though pain typically makes you less inclined to be active, spending prolonged times sitting or standing actually increases the onset of arthritic pain.
• Exercise: Of course the opposite of being sedentary is to be active – and the best form of activity for the body’s health, including the prevention of arthritis, is exercise. Studies show that the movement associated with regular exercise can reduce pain, increase mobility and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
• Protect Those Joints: Joints are delicate hinges that, like most machinery, eventually wear down. There are numerous joint protection techniques that can be used to protect these important hinges. These include daily range-of-motion exercises, focusing on good body mechanics and using assistive devices such as a brace or cane.
• Know Your Age: Age is one of the leading determinative factors in developing arthritis. The older you are, the more likely those pan symptoms are arthritis related. As you grow older, be sure to pay more attention to your joints and body mechanics.
• Watch That Weight: Obesity and being overweight by even just 10 pounds can significantly increase the onset of arthritis. The more weight on your body, the more work your joints have to do. Prevention of arthritis can easily be accomplished with proper weight management.
• Don’t Be a Butt: It seems cigarette smoking is linked to every health ailment, including increasing the risk of developing such arthritis conditions as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Quitting smoking is an easy arthritis prevention technique.
• Avoid Repetitive Movements: People who regularly engage in activities that involve repeated bending, lifting and carrying increase their risk of developing arthritis in that joint. To assist with the prevention of arthritis, try to alternate these movements.
• It’s in the Genes: Arthritis is often times hereditary. Knowing your family’s history with arthritis can give you an idea of what might be down the road for you and therefore allow you to plan accordingly.

The QualityHealth Difference

QualityHealth is your comprehensive resource to preventing arthritis. By joining QualityHealth, you get instant, around the clock access to in-depth medical arthritis prevention advice- allowing you to live a healthy and happy life.

Review Date: 12/21/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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