Millions of Americans live with arthritis. This inflammatory health concern causes discomfort and can restrict your range of motion. Most individuals picture elderly persons when they think about arthritis, which is accurate because age is a significant risk factor for developing arthritis.
However, numerous other factors make you prone to developing arthritis Dundalk, some of which are under your control. Understanding these common risk factors is the best way for you to avoid the pain of this health concern. Continue reading to learn more, including what you can do about the manageable risk factors.
- Older Age
Arthritis tends to kick in as individuals age, particularly osteoarthritis. The more you use your joints, the more they wear down the protective cartilage within. Besides, the joints also start losing some of the lubricating synovial fluid that allows them to function smoothly.
Although you cannot control aging, you can support your joints in aging well. For instance, you should stick to a nutritious diet, manage weight, and exercise regularly. It is also particularly crucial to obtain sufficient calcium and vitamin D.
- Obesity and Overweight
Carrying extra weight places a strain on the body, including your joints. Therefore, it is unsurprising that being obese or overweight heightens your risk of arthritis. Besides, if you have arthritis, being obese can worsen your symptoms.
Luckily, weight is a manageable risk factor. Even losing the slightest amount of weight can ease the strain on your joints, reducing your risk factor for arthritis. To do so, learn to maintain a healthy weight through healthy dieting and a stringent exercise routine.
- High-Level Sports
Engaging in sporting activities at a high level could raise your risk of suffering from arthritis. For instance, the repetitive pitching movement could heighten the wear and tear on the shoulder joint for individuals who play high-level baseball. Similarly, contact sports like football can damage the joints and bones.
Even long-distance running could raise the wear and tear on the knees. Nonetheless, remember that moderate exercise reduces your risk of arthritis. Therefore, if you engage in high-level sports, consult your specialist about how to protect yourself.
- Certain Occupations
Some occupations are harder on the joints than others. Occupations that entail heavy lifting, such as construction, raise your risk of arthritis. Nonetheless, even minor repetitive motions, such as pushing a cart or pulling a lever, could cause joint and bone cartilage deterioration with time.
However, working in a field that strains your joints does not automatically imply you will develop arthritis. Overall, it is important to adopt protective measures to protect your joints. For instance, you should rest your wrists, avoid staying in one position for long, maintain good movement patterns, and more.
- Past Injury
Previous joint injuries are another common risk factor for arthritis. Past joint damage or overuse can result in irregularities in the normally smooth joint surgery. The compromised cartilage and bone are more susceptible to further damage, which makes arthritis likely.
If you have sustained a previous joint injury, you should ensure you protect your joints from further damage. For instance, if you participate in sports, you should perform correct stretching and warm-up exercises. Likewise, if your joint damage stems from repetitive motion, you should take frequent breaks.
The development of arthritis is a complex and intertwined process, with several factors at work. Although you cannot control all these factors, there are measures you can take to avoid arthritis. However, if you are already diagnosed, these measures can help manage symptoms and slow the condition’s progression.
The more committed you are, the more likely it is that simple therapies, if necessary, remain efficient for as long as possible. Talk to your doctor about how to reduce your specific risk factors. Your doctor may advise on lifestyle adjustments like healthy dieting, exercising, or even medications to relieve your symptoms.
