text: Slowing the Progression of
  Learn how to
  make healthy lifestyle choices to relieve joint discomfort and prevent OA from
  (OA) was formerly thought to be a condition in which joints simply wore out due
  to a long and active life. However, research has revealed that OA is a
  multifaceted condition with numerous causes. Experts say it's not an
  unavoidable feature of aging, but rather the outcome of a complex set of
  circumstances, many of which may be altered or avoided. Here is some doctor
  advice for reducing the risk of OA or delaying the development of the disease.
  Keep your weight in
  puts extra strain on weight-bearing joints including the hips and knees. Each
  pound you acquire stresses your knees by nearly four pounds and puts six times
  more pressure on your hips. The additional stress wears down the cartilage that
  cushions these joints, which worsens over time.
  stress, however, is not the sole issue. Cytokines are proteins produced by fat
  tissue that induce inflammation throughout the body. Cytokines degrade tissue
  in the joints by changing the function of cartilage cells. Your body
  produces and releases more of these harmful proteins as you gain weight. Unless
  you're really overweight, dropping a few pounds can help relieve joint pain.
  Blood Sugar Management
  sugar (glucose) levels hasten the synthesis of chemicals that stiffen cartilage
  and make it more susceptible to mechanical stress. Diabetes can also cause
  systemic inflammation, which causes cartilage to deteriorate. The newly
  identified link between diabetes and joint deterioration could help to explain
  why more than half of all diabetics also have arthritis.
  activity is the most effective treatment for OA currently available. It's also
  one of the most effective techniques to keep joints in good condition in the
  first place. Even 30 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise five times a week
  keeps joints limber and muscles that support and stabilize your hips and knees
  strong. Exercise also strengthens the heart and lungs, lowers the risk of diabetes,
  and aids weight loss.
  need to join a gym or follow a certain training routine to reap the benefits.
  Walking, gardening and even washing floors are all acceptable forms of
  exercise. However, the best outcomes come from a continuous and progressive
  exercise regimen tailored to your age, fitness level, and favorite hobbies.
  your body no matter what form of workout you do. If you feel the pain that lasts
  longer than an hour or two after an exercise, perform less the next time and
  take more rest. To avoid damage, start slowly and don't practice the same
  workout every day until you understand how your body reacts to a new activity.
  Joints should be protected
  injuries cannot always be avoided, it is important to protect your joints and
  keep OA from worsening. Lift and carry with your largest, strongest joints at
  home or at work, and take pauses as needed. Maintaining a healthy weight after
  an injury can help prevent further joint damage.
  Make a healthy lifestyle choice
  Some OA risk
  factors are unavoidable. For example, OA becomes more common as people age,
  presumably due to a decrease in the number of cartilage cells. Because more
  women than males get OA beyond the age of 50, lower estrogen levels after
  menopause may possibly play a role. Furthermore, some people are born with
  genes that make them more susceptible to OA.
  The Final Word
  the best defense against any disease, including OA, is a healthy lifestyle.
  Diet, exercise, sleep, managing stress, and whether you smoke, or drink can have
  a tremendous influence on overall health, and the health of your joints.
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