How to Prevent Osteoarthritis

The human body operates a lot like the Tin Man from the "Wizard of Oz." To move around without pain, we must keep our joints well-oiled. Lack of use caused the Tin Man to rust. When people don't move around enough, their bones get porous and breakable, a condition called osteoarthritis. Although age and genetics are mostly to blame for this kind of arthritis, there are some things that can be done to help prevent osteoarthritis.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find out what you should weigh for your height and build and get down (or up) to that number as closely as possible. Being overweight can stress your bones and being underweight can damage the hormonal level in your body which can cause long term bone problems.

2. Move around. You don't have to become an Olympic athlete, but walk, bike, swim, play tennis, garden, dance, or just engage in some form of physical exertion on a consistent basis. Moving around can help make the muscles around your joints stronger and that will help prevent you from becoming just another rusty tin man (or woman) with painful osteoarthritis.

3. Treat your body gently when you're moving around. The impulsiveness of youth will take its toll on the body and dues will eventually become due, in the form of pain from osteoarthritis and a lessened quality of life. Drive carefully to avoid traffic accidents and chronic injuries. Use suggested safety equipment when engaging in work duties, sports or exercise.

4. Include good lubricants in your diet, an advantage the Tin Man didn't enjoy. Say no to omega 6 fats and yes to omega 3 fats. Consume one tablespoon olive oil every day and take two capsules of fish oil supplement and one capsule gamma linolenic acid (GLA) supplement with each meal.

5. Use caution with jobs or regular activities that require repetitive movements of the joints. Have your employer invest in safety equipment (or purchase them yourself) that stresses ergonomics and wear the items consistently.

Tips & Warnings

• Osteoarthritis is also referred to as degenerative arthritis and, as the most common form of arthritis in the United States, affects over 200 million people.
• Consult your doctor if you find yourself using pain relievers on a daily basis, even those available over the counter. There may be alternative treatments available for early osteoarthritis that won't involve drugs.

Resources

• A great place to search for info about osteoarthritis.
• Symptoms, treatments, prevention relating to various kinds of arthritis.
• Products to help ease pain caused by repetitive movements.

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[peterpan56]

on 5/7/2008 Great advice. Most of the suggestions will help slow down the progression of arthritis but will not prevent it all together.
http://arthritis-symptom.com/Osteoarthritis-Symptoms/index.htm