What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. However, it is also used to describe more than 100 conditions, each of which has its own causes that may or may not overlap with the rest. As a result, for you to minimize your chances of developing arthritis is much easier said than done, though never fruitless because some forms of arthritis are much more common than others. For example, the single most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which has millions and millions of sufferers all around the world. It is what happens when the protective cartilage capping the bones wears out, thus letting the bones come into contact with each other. Other common forms of arthritis include but are not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, which is when the immune system begins attacking the joints' protective lining, and gout, which is when urate crystals accumulate in the joints. Since these forms of arthritis are so common, focusing on preventing them can do much to minimize your overall chances of developing arthritis.

How Can You Minimize Your Chances of Developing Arthritis?

Here are some ways that can be used to lower your chances of developing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout:

• Regular exercise is useful for preventing osteoarthritis because less weight means less stress on your joints whenever you move. This is particularly true if you choose to swim, which can reduce the shock to your joints in the course of exercise by the power of buoyancy. Furthermore, it is worth noting that regular exercise can reduce your chances of getting gout as well because lower weight means less uric acid in your blood. However, please note that too much weight loss in too short a period can actually increase the level of uric acid in your blood in the short run.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is particularly problematic because its exact causes remain unknown, meaning that its exact prevention methods remain unknown. However, there is persuasive evidence showing that smoking makes you more likely to develop the condition, making quitting smoking a way for you to gain a small measure of control over the situation. Otherwise, you should contact a medical professional if you notice the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as soon as possible for assistance with mitigating them.
• Gout tends to be associated with big eaters and big drinkers, so it should come as no surprise to learn that the right diet can contribute to holding it back. In short, if you are concerned about gout, you should eat less meat, drink less alcohol, and keep well-hydrated at all times. However, each person is unique, meaning that you need to consult a medical professional for exact information about what you should and should not avoid when it comes to your diet.

Contact Us

To learn more about arthritis as well as assistance with mitigating its symptoms, please feel free to contact us.