Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects the joints and hips. This is caused by the breakdown of cartilage from regular wear and tear. This can cause pain and swelling and limit the patient’s range of motion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the condition affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States.
Although there isn’t any possible cure for osteoarthritis, patients can relieve their symptoms through medicine. However, you can reduce your chances of developing osteoarthritis at an early age. Prevention is the best way to treat osteoarthritis, so here are some tips that can lead you to better bone health:
- Exercise every day
You can never go wrong with a healthy exercise routine. Not only does it help you feel comfy, it keeps your joints well lubricated. This reduces the friction and stiffness that are at the root of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. A brisk walk or jog is sufficient to keep your joints in good shape. You can even try other exercises so long as you get approval from your healthcare provider.
- Maintain a safe weight
Weight gain has a direct impact on the development of osteoarthritis. As your body gains mass, more stress is placed on the joints. This in turn accelerates the breakdown of cartilage. For this reason, you need to watch what you eat and monitor your weight gain. If you notice a significant jump in your weight, consider eating healthier choices and do up to exercise.
- Eat right
In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, you should also adopt a diet rich in nutrients that can stop osteoarthritis. You can start with calcium and vitamin D which are known to be good for supporting bone health. In addition, you also need a healthy portion of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are known to reduce inflammation. You can skip it fish oil and seafood such as mackerel and salmon.
- Use Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
Known as PRP therapy, this approach involves injecting the patient’s platelets into their bloodstream. While they play a vital role in stopping blood clots, platelets have also been shown to be effective in treating musculoskeletal injuries, including tendon injuries, ligament tears, and even osteoarthritis. If you are interested by this approach, you can look for a clinic that uses FDA-approved technology to manufacture platelet-rich plasma.
- Watch your body
Whether you are playing tennis or walking in the park, it is important to check if you feel pain in a finger, elbow, or knee. Don’t ignore even a hint of pain. If your joints feel stiff, rest. If the pain persists, you may want to discuss this with your doctor during your next visit. Raising the chance of osteoarthritis can help you treat this problem before it gets worse.
If you want to be more active as you become older, you need to protect yourself from osteoarthritis early. Follow these tips and put yourself on the right track.
