Physician's Guide To Living with Arthritis: Risk Factors, Prevention & Management Tips

Living with arthritis can be tough. You might wonder: "Are there things besides arthritis that worsen my symptoms?"

While there isn't a magic solution to reverse time, understanding the risk factors associated with arthritis can empower you.

How? 

If you understand the factors that might have contributed to your arthritis, it would be easier for you to learn how to manage your current condition better and even potentially reduce the risk of further complications. 

This article discusses the various factors that may have played a role in the development of your arthritis. It also provides hints on how to safeguard your well-being and prevent further worsening of your symptoms.

4 Major Risk Factors for Arthritis

Let's discuss the most common risk factors for arthritis. 

1. Age

As we age, our joints naturally experience wear and tear. The cartilage, a protective cushion between bones, starts to thin and break down over time. This can lead to increased friction within your joint, causing pain and stiffness. 

What you can do

While you can't reverse the aging process, you can try maintaining a healthy weight and staying active (with doctor-approved exercises). That can help reduce the stress on your joints and slow down the wearing down process.

2. Weight

Excess weight puts a lot of stress on your joints, especially weight-bearing ones like your knees, hips, and ankles. This extra strain can hasten the breakdown of cartilage and contribute to the development or worsening of arthritis. 

What you can do

Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce pressure on your joints and potentially ease your arthritis symptoms. 

3. Joint Injuries

Past injuries, such as fractures, sprains, or ligament tears, can increase your chances of developing arthritis in the affected joint later in life.  This is quite common in athletes. The formation of scar tissue in the affected joint can lead to a change in the joint function which in turn contributes to pain and inflammation. 

What you can do  

You can't change the injuries you have had in the past, but you can focus on strengthening the muscles around the affected joints and maintaining proper flexibility. Be consistent with this. It can help to stabilize the affected joint and reduce the risk of further degeneration.

4. Genetics

Certain types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, have a genetic component. In other words, they may run in families. If arthritis runs in your family, you might be more predisposed to developing the condition or fast progression of symptoms. 

What you can do

• While you can't control your genes, you can focus on risk factors that you can change like maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and managing stress.

• Be mindful of activities that worsen your joint symptoms and adjust accordingly.

• Track your symptoms and discuss any changes with your doctor during regular consultations.

• Early detection and treatment through regular doctor consultations allow for starting treatment plans sooner, potentially slowing disease progression and minimizing long-term damage.

• Ask your doctor about the potential benefits of specific joint health supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Arthritis: Taking Control of Your Well-being

While some risk factors like age, past injuries, and genetics are beyond your control, there are some risk factors you can change or work on to potentially slow the progression of your arthritis and improve your overall well-being. 

Here are some modifiable lifestyle factors to consider:

Physical Inactivity

When you're not physically active, the muscles around your joints weaken, leading to instability. This lack of frequent movement can also cause joint stiffness and further worsen joint function. 

What you can do about it

Regular exercise, even low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga at least 30 minutes a day, can significantly benefit your joints. 

Exercise strengthens the muscles supporting your joints, improves flexibility, and aids in maintaining a healthy weight – all of which can contribute to reduced pain and improved joint function. 

Unhealthy Diet

While research is ongoing, studies suggest a potential link between unhealthy food choices and chronic inflammation, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.  

What you can do about it

Focus on a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. 

You may want to consider consulting a registered dietitian who can help you create a personalized meal plan that supports your overall health and potentially reduces inflammation.

Be a Part of the Solution

There are a lot of arthritis research studies currently ongoing.

Would you like to contribute to this? Your insights matter. 

By taking a few minutes to complete this short questionnaire, you can help researchers understand your needs and experiences better and create the best solution for you and others like you.

Remember:

• Your answers are confidential and anonymous.

• The questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete.

• Every voice counts – yours included!