Arthritis is a medical condition that affects around one-quarter of Americans every year. You might think it only affects senior citizens, but it can impact people of all ages – including children.
Several types of arthritis exist – some are genetic, while others are degenerative and typically worsen as a person ages. However, what all the different types have in common is that they impact joints, resulting in a lot of pain and diminished mobility in the affected areas.
Some types of arthritis occur due to genetics, and there is little you can do to prevent their prevalence. Still, there are things you can do to lower the risk of developing other forms of arthritis. Here are some examples:
Get An Annual Medical Check
Firstly, it pays to have an annual medical check conducted by your doctor, and there are two major reasons why that makes sense.
For example, a medical will help identify the early signs of arthritis and may lead to getting prescribed treatment, such as medication or surgery from a hand surgeon, to treat the early onset of the disorder.
Secondly, a medical can identify if you have any viral infections that need treating, as some forms of arthritis are directly attributable to bacteria like Staphylococcus Aureus.
Have A Diet Rich In Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are very useful for preventing inflammation in the body and are also proven to reduce it if you get rheumatoid arthritis in your joints.
You can usually get a lot of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, although it’s possible to get it from non-fish sources like seeds, eggs, and plant oils if you’re on a plant-based diet.
Keep Your Body Weight At A Manageable Level
One of the most common areas of your body where arthritis can strike is your knees. As you can imagine, if you have a higher than average weight, the risk of developing arthritis in your knees increases. That’s why it makes sense to keep your weight at a manageable level.
A tailored healthy eating and exercise plan will make a significant different to your weight and also improve other aspects of your health.
Have Regular Exercise
Some people assume that “regular exercise” involves spending a couple of hours each day at the gym pumping iron or doing dozens of laps in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
However, it can also mean something as simple as going for a walk around the block twice a day.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, such as spending most of your day at work sitting down behind a computer screen, it’s essential you devote some of your time to exercising regularly.
Quit Smoking
One final consideration to make is giving up smoking. If you’re a smoker, the good news is you can kick the habit and lead a healthier lifestyle – and it doesn’t involve going “cold turkey” and relapsing.
Smoking is a very bad habit to have, so it’s worth addressing the reasons why you feel you need to smoke, and getting support for the best way of quitting in your situation.
Final Thoughts
Arthritis doesn’t have to be something that you will automatically experience as you get older. The above examples are some of the best ways of diminishing the risk of developing arthritis in your golden years.
